IN CONVERSATION WITH Sergio Isa Dos Santos, MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded that the Gauteng Department of Education urgently place over 5 000 learners who remain without school placements as the new school year approaches.
In December 2025, the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, confirmed that 5 464 learners were still awaiting placement in Grade 1 and Grade 8. Since then, there has been no clear update from the department, leaving parents uncertain about whether their children will be placed in time.
Department spokespersons have provided vague statements but no specific numbers or progress reports. Parents report that some children are being placed in schools far from home and not of their choice, causing financial, logistical, and emotional stress at the start of the school year.
In December 2025, the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, confirmed that 5 464 learners were still awaiting placement in Grade 1 and Grade 8. Since then, there has been no clear update from the department, leaving parents uncertain about whether their children will be placed in time.
Department spokespersons have provided vague statements but no specific numbers or progress reports. Parents report that some children are being placed in schools far from home and not of their choice, causing financial, logistical, and emotional stress at the start of the school year.
