GDE dismisses claims its prioritising foreign nationals at public schools

The Gauteng Education Department has dismissed claims made by some groups that it is prioritising foreign nationals over South African learners in public schools.

MEC Matome Chiloane said he will not tolerate the false claims because the department does not give directive over school placements for grade 2 to 7 and grade 9 to 11.

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This comes as the department faces pressure over unplaced learners in grades 1 and 8, while groups like Operation Dudula have been marching to schools and demanding placement for South African learners.

Chiloane has warned that any school or department officials found contravening admission rules will face harsh consequences.

He said learners are placed in accordance with the law and the department’s admissions policies.

At present, more than 2,000 grade 1 and 8 learners remain unplaced, which the department has attributed to lack of space.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said there is no need to panic.

“Our systems remain intact and we just want to assure parents that the applications are being processed in an orderly and transparent manner. You will recall that we have opened up late applications and we have recorder over 27,000 applications.”

He added that qualifying learners will be accommodated even if it’s not at schools of their first choice.