The reopening of Kanana Primary School in Orkney in the North West did not get off to a good start on Wednesday as some parents demonstrated outside the school, demanding that their children be admitted for the new academic year.
According to the protesting parents, they were told that the school is full and cannot take any more pupils.
The parents said they have no other options and that the closeness of the school makes it perfect for their children.
Ntswaki Dikgale who has a child in the 3rd Grade said she has been applying for her daughter at the school from when she started Grade 1 but she hasn’t been successful.
“The school always says it’s full, I apply on time, and last year they told me to arrive early this year, but it’s always the same answer,” she added.
Her daughter is forced to attend school outside of the township, and in winters it becomes a big problem for her as she has to wake up very early when it is still dark to go to school.
Mmatseko Sekiti lamented that she is unemployed and would have liked for her child to attend the school due to its proximity to her home.
“I am unemployed and rely on government social grants; if I take my child to another school, all the money would be spent on transportation,” she said.
Sekiti complained that the school accepted learners from neighbouring townships, however, and didn’t prioritise Kanana residents.
“They should have at least begun with children from here,” she added. “Children from far away arrive with buses and transportation, but our children are denied school here.”
The school management told the parents to re-enter their children’s names on the waiting list in case other parents decide to withdraw their children with an expectation that they could be placed by the end of the week.
The school was unable to comment on whether the department of education has a backup plan to reduce the school’s surplus of children with no placements.
