The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

AfriForum is urgently calling on Matome Chiloane, the MEC for Education in Gauteng, to make a complete and transparent progress report on all placements for the 2026 school year available to the organisation and all schools before the end of the week. This follows the continued malfunctioning of the Gauteng Department of Education’s online school placement system in the province. This concern stems from complaints from numerous concerned parents whose children have still not been placed for grades 1 and 8 next year.

In a second lawyer’s letter that AfriForum addressed to Chiloane today (1 December), the organisation further demands that the Gauteng Department of Education publish a comprehensive plan to permanently stabilise the system.

The civil rights organisation sent its initial lawyer’s letter to Chiloane on 3 November demanding specific answers about the problem regarding school placements that had then already come to light. He responded to the letter with assurances that there was no reason for concern and that the placements would be successfully completed by the end of November.

Meanwhile, Chiloane was to give feedback on the school placements during a media conference on 30 November, but it was cancelled at short notice without any clear reason. In AfriForum’s lawyer’s letter, Chiloane is requested to immediately explain why this conference did not proceed.

With only two weeks left before schools close for the December holidays and with many children not yet placed in schools, AfriForum warns that preparations for the 2026 academic year could be drastically derailed.

“The fact that the Gauteng Education Department offers no communication or support to parents whose children have not yet been placed or have been incorrectly placed is unacceptable. Thousands of families are dependent on a system that has failed yet again. Parents are distraught while the Department denies the problem,” says Carien Bloem, Head of Education Projects at AfriForum.

Furthermore, AfriForum has heard allegations that the real reason for the system’s malfunctioning may be linked to outstanding payments to the service provider. The organisation’s attorney’s letter therefore also demands that the Department provide proof that the service provider has been paid according to contract. If the rumours are true, this is a serious omission that poses a direct threat to education stability in Gauteng. “AfriForum’s mandate is clear: we must act to protect the interests of parents, learners and schools,” adds Bloem.

The Gauteng Education Department has until 2 December to respond to AfriForum’s requests. If no response is received, AfriForum will consider legal action.

Issued by AfriForum