Chiloane hopeful of having every grade 1 & 8 pupil placed before the end of November

The Gauteng Education Department says parents and guardians can expect to start receiving placement offers later in the week, for pupils going to Grade 1 and Grade 8. 

The department says it has already placed almost 90 percent of applicants after closing the application cycle in August. 

Education MEC Matome Chiloane said there were currently around 40,000 spaces available for Grade 1 learners. 

READ: GDE urges parents to accept first offer they receive for grade 1 & 8 placement

However, Chiloane said the department continues to face a significant challenge with capacity for Grade 8 placements. 

"Grade 8 is where we have a huge challenge. We're currently sitting with around 6,640 spaces still available."

He said the department remains hopeful that every learner will be placed before the end of November. 

"I am very confident we are going to reach 100 percent placement at least before end of November."