Responding to pressure from learner applications and placements, the Gauteng Department of Education has set aside R207 million to procure mobile class units to create satellite schools for the 2025 intake.

MAKING A PLAN

The department spokesperson Steve Mabona said they received applications exceeding 300,000 pupils for grades 1 and 8 for this school year. "About 625 mobile units were procured to construct satellite schools. They will be placed in high-pressure areas with available land," he said. Mabona explained that Gauteng has 20 satellite schools that were built in the province in the past three years. "We have high-pressure areas; that is where we will introduce satellite schools. We have over 10 satellite schools that are working or operational," said Mabona.

TO ADD MORE

Mabona said the department is working hard to ensure that all outstanding applicants will be placed in schools by the start of the academic year. "In addition, we are introducing about 15 satellite schools that are going to be assisting the process to alleviate the pressure that we are experiencing as a department," Mabona said, adding that whilst admission processes are continuing, the placing of satellite schools in high-pressure areas serves as a contingency plan to ensure that no learner is left behind. He, however, explained that this is a temporary measure.