Schools officially reopened across the country, but frustrated parents stood in long queues outside district offices on Wednesday (14/1). The education department said late applications and incorrect parental choices worsen the limited school capacity.

Most remaining unplaced students are in Gauteng’s urban and metropolitan districts, according to the department, which continues to be burdened by the province’s rapid population increase and inadequate school infrastructure.

On Wednesday, several parents stood in queues outside schools requesting placement. “Some parents submitted their applications late and were unable to secure placements at their preferred schools,” said Gauteng education spokesperson Steve Mabona. “Leading them to apply to any available schools.

“Others made the error of applying to schools outside their residential districts, with some Johannesburg residents mistakenly applying to Ekurhuleni schools. Some parents had not applied at all, arriving only recently and requiring urgent placement support.”

The department of education has taken control of school placements but has not accepted responsibility for the fallout and has therefore shifted the consequences of the failed system onto schools and parents, said Afriforum’s head of education projects Carien Bloem.

The organisation warned that without reform, this annual crisis will persist, violating children’s rights to quality education.

Last week, the department confirmed the outstanding number represents just 1.5% of the 358,574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year.

“Placement data per district indicates that the majority of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts,” said Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane.

“Placement pressure remains highest in Johannesburg East, largely driven by demand for secondary school placements. Parents and guardians are reminded that the late application period remains open until Friday, 30 January.”

Parents who did not apply during the main application period are urged to apply online. The department reiterated that placements made during the late application period are final and subject to available capacity.

The department reported progress in resolving appeals and objections, as of the 6,736 appeals lodged, only 637 objections remain under judgement, with outcomes communicated directly to parents as finalisation continues.

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