WeeklySA_AdminPROGRESS: With late applications still open and appeals nearing finalisation, Gauteng’s education system remains under strain as thousands of learners await placement in overcrowded urban districts…
Own Correspondent
More than 4 800 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners in Gauteng are still awaiting school placement for the 2026 academic year, according to Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
As of January 6, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that 4 858 learners remain unplaced through the province’s Online Admissions system. This includes 1 381 Grade 1 learners and 3 477 Grade 8 learners.
The unplaced learners account for approximately 1.5% of the total 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 school year. Applications comprised 175 792 Grade 1 and 182 782 Grade 8 learners.
“The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity,” the department said.
Urban Districts
Placement data shows that the majority of unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts, where rapid population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to strain school capacity.
The highest pressure remains in Ekurhuleni, with a combined total of 3 169 unplaced learners across its districts:
- Ekurhuleni North: 1 741 learners
- Grade 1: 381
- Grade 8: 1 360
- Ekurhuleni South: 1 181 learners
- Grade 1: 569
- Grade 8: 612
- Gauteng East: 247 learners
- Grade 1: 85
- Grade 8: 162
Pressure in Ekurhuleni is particularly acute at Grade 8 level, the department noted.
In Johannesburg, two districts account for most of the remaining cases:
- Johannesburg East: 1 173 learners
- Grade 1: 95
- Grade 8: 1 078
- Johannesburg South: 352 learners
- Grade 1: 250
- Grade 8: 102
Johannesburg North has only three Grade 8 learners still awaiting placement.
“Placement pressure remains highest in Johannesburg East, largely driven by demand for secondary school placements,” the department said.
Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand
Significant progress has been recorded in Tshwane, where only 14 learners remain unplaced:
- Grade 1: 1
- Grade 8: 13
The Sedibeng and West Rand districts have largely stabilised. Sedibeng East has 70 Grade 8 learners still awaiting placement.
The department said it has prioritised Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg through intensified district-based placement efforts and the strategic use of available capacity in neighbouring school
Late Applications Still Open
The GDE confirmed that the late application period, which opened on 17 December 2025 and closes on 30 January 2026, has recorded 11 183 late applications to date:
- Grade 1: 5 701
- Grade 8: 5 482
“All late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity,” the department said.
Parents are advised to visit their selected schools from 14 January 2026 to submit all required documentation.
During the late application period, only schools with available capacity will appear on the system. Applicants may select one school only, and placements made during this phase cannot be declined, with no objections or appeals permitted thereafter.
Appeals
A total of 6 736 placement appeals have been lodged for the 2026 academic year. Of these, 637 objections remain under adjudication.
The department said the appeals process is at an advanced stage, with outcomes communicated directly to parents and guardians. Appeal decisions are final.
“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng,” MEC Chiloane said. “We urge parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperative as the department works tirelessly to ensure that every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for the 2026 academic year.”
Applications can be made at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za — SAnews.gov.za
