Gauteng Education reports steady progress in grade 1 and 8 placements

Learners walking to a school

The Gauteng Education Department says it is making steady progress in improving the placement process of grade one and eight learners this year.

Approximately 2 000 learners are still awaiting placement at schools across the province.

Frustrated parents and guardians have been queuing outside the department’s district offices to seek placement for their children.

The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona says it is not only grades 1 and 8 in the queues.

“We also have those that are coming in for other grades. That’s why we’re calling upon schools to finalize their processes and make sure that they work with the districts so that they can finalize the placements. We are working tirelessly ensuring that we accommodate as many as possible.”

WATCH | Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona says the main issues causing school placement backlogs are limited capacity, late applications, and parental preferences. pic.twitter.com/CxeaU6xKLO

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 14, 2026