Frustration is mounting for the parents of 240 pupils in Limpopo who have been unable to attend school three weeks after the new term began. While other students have settled into their classrooms, these children remain at home, awaiting placement. Despite assurances from the Limpopo Department of Basic Education that unplaced pupils would be accommodated by January 29, the situation remains unresolved for many.
Parents are concerned about the impact this delay is having on their children’s education. They fear their children will fall behind in schoolwork and struggle to catch up. Jane Mabunda, a parent, voiced her frustration, noting that these children may face challenges at the end of the year when they are tested on material they never had the chance to learn.
Other parents, like Jacky Sebopela, are worried about the lack of progress. They question whether there is a strategy in place to help students who missed out on the first few weeks of school. As the first term approaches its end in March, many parents fear their children will not benefit from the term if they are not placed soon.
Education spokesperson Mike Maringa stated that the number of unplaced pupils in the Pietersburg Circuit has been reduced from 816 to 246. He explained that the delay was due to the verification of late applications, including those from students who were initially rejected or newly relocated. The department is working hard to ensure that all qualifying pupils are placed as soon as possible.
