Neelam Rahim / neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read
7 February 2023 / 10:53 am CAT

Photo: IOL

Parents of scores of children in the Western Cape are still waiting to be placed in the province’s schools. Many parents have been camping out in front of some schools for hours in the hope that they will find a place for their children to attend, with the new academic year already well on the way.

The official figures of the exact number of children who still need to be placed in the province’s schools will be released on Friday. In contrast, the official record released on January 20 reported some 680 learners needing to be placed.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, the ANC’s Western Cape Legislature Caucus Education Spokesperson, MPL Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said he had received more than 680 requests from parents after the official release figure of 680 learners already in the system.

“There are thousands of learners outside of the system even though parents have applied as early as March last year,” he added.

Some parents have already applied to several schools in areas situated in the Cape Flats last year but are still waiting for a reply from the Education Department.

Sayed expresses concern that the issue is vast with far-reaching consequences, particularly in the Cape Flats. Learners are getting so frustrated that they are not being placed they decide to drop out of the schooling system.

“Many go into a life of gangsterism and drugs which in turn contributes to the rising crime rate in the province.” He stated.

Listen to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and MPL Muhammad Khalid Sayed on Radio Islam’s podcast.