In an effort to make the school application process easier, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) introduced an online application method in some provinces. While the department believes it was a good decision, many parents disagree as they have had some trouble using the online application system.
When introducing the online application system, the department did not take into account that some parents would not have access to the internet, be able to read or be computer literate. Due to these difficulties, some parents have not been able to find school placements for their children.
According to Matome Chiloane, the Gauteng Education MEC, more than 90% of learners, who applied for placement at schools within the province, have received placement. The department has been doing its best to ensure that all learners find placement.
Parents are urged to remain patient as the department will not allow their children to be left behind. Chiloane stated that the department hopes to have placed all learners in schools by the 30th of January 2023.
The Gauteng Education MEC stated that the department introduced campaign drives which were aimed at providing parents with the tools to successfully use the online application system. Application centres were also set up to help parents who were not tech-savvy.
Chiloane stated that the department has established a plan to ensure all learners receive placement. Part of the plan is to provide schools that are crowded with more classrooms to accommodate the number of learners at the school as well as those who will be starting school shortly.
