Western Cape MEC for education Debbie Schäfer released a statement confirming that over 8 000 learner places have been blocked by parents who have not confirmed placement.
This means learners have been accepted to more than one school, but parents have not removed their names from the school’s where they will not be attending, therefore “blocking” potential placements of learners at those schools.
Spokesperson to Education MEC Debbie Schafer, Jessica Shelver says some children have been accepted in about four schools. These are schools where many other children are looking to be accepted.
We have issued a notice to parents to select their school of choice out of the schools that they have been accepted, otherwise we will be forced to make a decision for them which will result in some very unhappy parents and children.
— Jessica Shelver, Spokesperson to Education MEC Debbie Schafer
Shelver says parents have until the end of next week to make decisions before the department steps in and make those decisions for them.
To hear the rest of the conversation with Jessica Shelver, listen below: