As a state institution established to support constitutional democracy under Section 181(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Commission is tasked with protecting and promoting human rights within South Africa. The Commission is empowered by the South African Human Rights Commission Act, 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), to investigate allegations of human rights violations, mediate where appropriate, and litigate when necessary.
In line with its Constitutional mandate to ensure the realisation of human rights, the Commission has been monitoring the ongoing admissions programme and has observed a significant number of unplaced learners across various districts in Gauteng Province. The Commission remains committed to supporting efforts to ensure every learner in Gauteng is placed in a school, despite the challenges faced, to uphold the right to a basic education and enable continued teaching and learning.
In response to these challenges, the Commission continues with its investigation into the following areas:
- Investigating the alleged contravention of children’s rights to basic education by the Gauteng Government.
- Investigating the persistent issue of unplaced learners and the shortage of available school spaces in Gauteng.
- Assessing whether the Gauteng Government and the MEC of Education have failed in their responsibility to ensure sufficient school places for all learners in the province.
- Examining the Online Admission System and support mechanisms provided by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to determine whether they adequately address the needs of applicants, including learners migrating into the province.
- Conducting an overview to assess whether schools are operating at full capacity according to acceptable class sizes and teacher-to-learner ratios.
- Investigating the number of schools closed since 2019 in comparison to the construction of new schools.
- Scrutinizing the GDE’s obligation to urgently find places for unplaced learners without further burdening already overcrowded classrooms.
As part of this inquiry, the Gauteng Provincial Office is calling for submissions from members of the public to help determine the full extent of the issue. We invite submissions of the following information:
- Name of parents/guardians
- Contact details (including an alternative contact number)
- Residential address
- Applicable GDE District office
- Date of application and schools applied to
- Response received from GDE
Submissions can be made via the following channels:
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- WhatsApp: 082 059 6520
- Telephone: 011 877 3751
- Hand Delivery: Gauteng Provincial Office, Sentinel House, Fourth Floor, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown
The public is requested to submit this information urgently by 12 March 2025.
Please note that all personal information will be protected in line with applicable privacy legislation, and each submission will be carefully assessed.
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For further information or inquiries, please contact: Zamantungwa Mbeki, Gauteng Provincial Manager.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.