News24 | School placement problems persist as 2026 academic year starts

Frustrated parents in long queues outside the Gauteng Department of Basic Education demand school placements for their children.

Dozens of parents and children have lined up outside the offices of the Gauteng Department of Education on Wednesday in the hope of sorting out issues around placements or the lack thereof.

This, as Operation Dudula staged a sit-in to demand the placement of the children on its submitted list to schools.

Alberton-based Quinton Lee stood with his niece, Cherise, whom he helped apply to Alberton High School, less than five minutes from their home. Instead, Cherise was placed at a school more than 20km away.

“This is who is going to run our country, but where is she now? Standing in a parking lot trying to get her education,” he said.

Lee, who was also accompanied by his brother-in-law and sister, told News24 that they had completed applications to Alberton High School and Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in mid-2025.

“When I arrived here, I said: ‘It’s sad. When you look at the parents here, you can see the disappointment on their faces’.”

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