Department of Education Extranet

STATUS ON THE ADMISSION OF LEARNERS

The Northern Cape Department of Education introduced the Online Admissions System last year and it has proven to be functioning very well. However, the Department  has seen a significant increase in the total numbers of applications in comparison to previous years. Annually, the number of applications would vary around 20 000, but this year the figure significantly increased to just over 40 000, which explains the current situation of unplaced learners. In addition to this, 30% of learners never returned to school after the nationwide lockdown last year and were considered as school drop-outs. The Department is relieved that most of these learners returned to school and are taking up their space in schools.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic should also not be underestimated, as we received a significant number of applications for learners which were in private schools, where parents are unable to afford the school fees anymore. The COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted on the completion of Infrastructure projects, in the form of additional classrooms to create additional school spaces for learners. We have also received a number of applications from learners relocating from other Provinces and District, requiring school spaces in particularly in Kimberley. These and other factors have contributed to the situation we are confronted with in the Frances Baard District. 

The Department has met with School Principal’s on Sunday and Tuesday in Kimberley to assess the additional available school spaces and to accommodate the unplaced learners. The Department is currently making alternative arrangements to secure the delivery of mobile classrooms to address the placement of Grade R,1 and 8 learners, as schools have reached their maximum capacity in Kimberley. The Department has also engaged with School Governing Bodies on Thursday and Friday to mobilise further buy in from these school structures. We are pleased to announce that we are finding common ground and we are hoping to finalise this process very soon. 

The latest figures indicate that 2 592 learners still require school space, which are in the main for Grade R,1 and 8 in Frances Baard District. The Department is working around the clock to secure school space for all learners of school compulsory going age in the next couple of weeks. We will also prioritize the construction of at least two new schools specifically in Kimberley, which will be able to absorb this significant increase in learner numbers. We appeal to parents to remain calm and patient whilst we are trying our utmost best to amicably resolve the unfortunate situation. 

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