Johannesburg, 9 December 2024 – In a live press briefing, Gauteng Education MEC, Mr. Matome Chiloane, provided a crucial update on the 2025 Grade 1 and 8 Learner Placements. With the academic year fast approaching, the MEC reassured parents that the department is pulling all stops to ensure every learner is placed in a school before the January 2025 start date.
📺 Watch the live stream here:
Key Announcements on 2025 Grade 1 and 8 Learner Placements
- Placement Progress:
- 95% of Grade 1 applicants and 92% of Grade 8 applicants have already been successfully placed through the 2025 online admissions system. This marks a significant improvement in processing efficiency compared to previous years.
- The MEC thanked parents who applied on time and adhered to guidelines for making this possible.
- Outstanding Applications:
- Despite the success rate, approximately 5% of Grade 1 learners and 8% of Grade 8 learners are still awaiting placement.
- High-demand areas such as Johannesburg North, Pretoria East, and parts of Ekurhuleni remain a challenge due to overcrowding in popular schools.
- Reasons for Delays:
- Late Applications: Many parents submitted applications after the official deadline, which delayed the placement process.
- Capacity Challenges: Certain schools in urban areas have exceeded their capacity, leaving limited spots for additional learners.
- Incomplete Documentation: Applications with missing or incorrect supporting documents caused further delays.
- Interventions in Place:
- Additional Placement Teams: The Gauteng Department of Education has deployed specialized task teams to expedite outstanding placements.
- Infrastructure Expansion: The department is working with schools to increase capacity, including utilizing mobile classrooms where necessary.
- Support for Late Applicants: A dedicated late application window is being offered to accommodate parents who missed initial deadlines.
Related: Gauteng Education Issues Over 293,000 Grade 1 and 8 Placement Offers for 2025 Admissions
Support for Parents
- Call Centre: 0800 000 789
- WhatsApp Line: 060 891 0361
- Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Looking Ahead
MEC Chiloane reassured parents and guardians that every effort is being made to ensure all learners have access to quality education in the 2025 academic year. He also emphasized the importance of patience and collaboration between parents, schools, and the department.
In closing, the MEC thanked parents for their cooperation throughout the online admissions process and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.
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