Pretoria – The Department of Basic Education says the placement of learners for the 2017 academic year is still in progress across the country.
“Gauteng is experiencing the highest admissions challenges. The total applications received for Grade 1 and 8 is 297 505 and only 173 051 have been placed. More than 124 400 learners (41%) are yet to be allocated spaces,” said the department.
This was revealed when the department briefed the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on Tuesday on the state of readiness for the 2017 school year.
The department has been focusing on identifying and dealing with issues that have historically impacted negatively on the effective start to the academic year.
“Some of the key areas of attention include the registration of learners, provision of learner and teacher material and ensuring that schools have teachers for all grades and subjects at the start of the school year.
“Over the past five years the sector has made significant progress in streamlining learner admissions processes. Provincial education departments are expected to release annual admissions circulars, determine the period for admissions, establish provincial and district admission teams,” said the department.
School infrastructure is also one of the major deliverables the department is paying special attention to, given the complex challenges faced by the country.
As part of its state of readiness, the department has prioritised the provision of ablution facilities as well as school furniture for both learners and educators predominantly in rural areas.
“Monitoring will also focus on the school maintenance plans to ensure that the necessary work is done in terms of upgrading and rehabilitation of existing assets and the provision of facilities where these have not yet been delivered.
“DBE and the education departments in provinces continue to fast track the delivery of school infrastructure” the department said.
It will work with provinces and districts to ensure that all the necessary work is done to ensure that learning and teaching takes place in a conducive environment. – SAnews.gov.za
