By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane says no public school may place foreign learners ahead of South African children.
- The department says just over two thousand learners are still waiting for placement for the 2026 school year.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has rejected claims that foreign nationals are being given priority over South African children in public schools.
He said the claims are false and are causing unnecessary tension among parents.
Chiloane said there is no rule or instruction in the Gauteng Department of Education that allows schools to favour foreign learners.
“No school is permitted to prioritise foreign national learners ahead of South African learners,” he said.
He said South African children are placed first, in line with the law and the department’s admissions rules.
Chiloane warned that any school or official found breaking the rules will face disciplinary action.
The department explained that applications for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 11 are handled directly by schools.
Only Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications go through the online admissions system.
Some schools, especially in busy areas, are struggling to place these inner grade learners. Schools have been told to work closely with district offices to manage the pressure.
The department said progress is being made with 2026 online admissions. Only 2,763 learners are still unplaced.
These include 735 Grade 1 learners and 2,028 Grade 8 learners.
Capacity remains a problem in parts of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
Late applications opened on 17 December 2025 and will close on 30 January 2026. So far, 27,140 late applications have already been placed.
Chiloane said the department is committed to placing every qualifying learner fairly. He urged people not to spread false claims that divide communities.
Pictured above: Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane.
Image source: Gauteng Department of Education
