The start of the 2024 school year in South Africa is facing several challenges.
In the Western Cape, there are 609 late applications for student placements being processed. In KwaZulu-Natal, some schools haven’t even paid their stationery suppliers for January 2023, causing a shortage of learning materials for the new school year.
Education union, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) said principals are struggling with these issues and students are suffering as a result.
In Gauteng, parents are lining up at district offices, trying to get their children into schools.
Meanwhile, in Mpumalanga, 332 teaching posts need to be filled.
Thirona Moodley from Naptosa in KZN reported that schools haven’t received money from the education department for learning materials. This means that many students won’t have the necessary materials for their first day of school.
The Western Cape is trying to place 2,636 Grade 1 and Grade 8 students. The province had already found spots for 120,778 students in these grades.
The KZN education department didn’t answer questions about the problems. They did say that all centrally ordered school materials had been delivered, News24 reported.
The Western Cape education department is dealing with high demand for transfers to top-performing schools. Despite budget cuts, they plan to build 10 new schools and 496 classrooms.
In Gauteng, many students still need to be placed. The DA’s education spokesperson in Gauteng, Sergio Dos Santos, said some schools aren’t prepared for new students, and more schools need to be built.
Limpopo and Northern Cape reported that they are ready for the new school year, with books, stationery, and school nutrition delivered.
Free State officials will visit schools to check on the start of the year and donate uniforms and shoes to needy students. Mpumalanga announced that scholar transport will be provided to 72,809 students in 353 schools.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Education MEC Matome Chiloane will attend the opening of the new Kgatoentle Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Late application process in Gauteng.
Image source: X
