Uncategorized
By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said his department is making significant strides in preparation for the 2025 school year, with a focus on learner placement, the successful completion of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, and ensuring schools are ready with the necessary resources.
Chiloane provided an update on the placement of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners for 2025 and said the online application process, which began in July, has seen 325,734 applications (99.97%) being successfully placed, leaving 124 Grade 8 applications still in progress in the Kempton Park area, a high-growth zone.
“The department is fully prepared to ensure a smooth and successful reopening of schools in the province for the 2025 academic year, with all necessary systems, resources, and support structures in place to foster a conducive learning environment,” he said.
Chiloane explained that incomplete applications were not processed for placement, and parents who face challenges will be able to choose available schools starting on Wednesday till the end of January next year.
A total of 8379 applications for Grade 1 and 10653 applications for Grade 8 were not completed.
The department is focusing on placing learners within their home zones or closest available schools, and funding has been secured to build additional classrooms and mobile units to alleviate overcrowding in high-demand areas.
This includes 625 mobile units and 453 additional classrooms to address the shortage of spaces.
The MEC said the 2024 NSC exams concluded successfully, with 189,693 candidates in Gauteng, including both full-time and part-time learners.
While there were isolated incidents of security breaches, including impersonation and the use of prohibited materials, the department confirmed that the integrity of the exams was largely maintained.
Chiloane highlighted that exam materials were delivered on time, and issues at examination centers were swiftly resolved.
He said the main marking of the exams took place from the beginning of the month until Friday, with over 12,000 markers appointed.
Results will be announced nationally on 13 January, with Gauteng’s results revealed during a special ceremony the following day.
High-performing learners and schools in the province will be recognised and rewarded with bursaries, trophies, and other prizes.
He said his department preparedness was focused on five key areas.
The department has procured textbooks and stationery for 2,086 schools, achieving a 96.6% retrieval rate of textbooks from matriculants.
Additionally, Learner and Teacher Support Materials (LTSM) distribution was completed on time, ensuring all schools are equipped for the new year.
Chiloane confirmed that over 850 schools received new furniture in 2023-2024, supporting classroom needs for the new academic year.
He said his department continues to expand digital learning in schools, providing devices to over 200,000 learners and 21,000 teachers, with efforts including updating devices and ensuring schools are well-equipped for digital content delivery.
The department is expected to transport over 227,000 learners in 2025, with a R1.1 billion allocation for the Scholar Transport Programme.
Chiloane stressed that the contract, which started in July, is monitored for vehicle road-worthiness and safety.
Furthermore, the MEC revealed that over 1.7 million learners benefit from the department’s nutrition programme.
The department has hired additional food handlers to support meal preparation.
In terms of safety, Chiloane urged communities to help protect school facilities from theft and vandalism during recess, with increased vigilance from local law enforcement.
“Your vigilance is crucial in preventing potential criminal activities on school grounds,” he said.
The MEC is expected to meet with the parents of the 124 Grade 8 applications who have not been placed on Monday evening, in an effort to speedily facilitate the immediate accommodation of the learners in schools next year.
INSIDE EDUCATION