GDE’s continued failure to place 50 Diepsloot and Riverside learners in schools
Statement by Andile Jabavu, Provincial Secretary of the United Democratic Movement in Gauteng
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses concern and frustration over the continued failure by the Gauteng Department of Education to place nearly 50 learners from Diepsloot and Riverside into schools, despite the second term of the academic year already being underway.
It is unacceptable that four months into the school year, children are still sitting at home while their right to basic education as enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution is being denied.
According to community reports and confirmation by activist Reginald Lebotse, dozens of learners remain unplaced due to delays in the completion of the Tanganani Primary School a project that was promised to be operational by the end of March 2025. Instead, families continue to face broken promises and vague reassurances.
We further note the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) intention to scrutinise the province’s admissions system, especially in areas affected by migration and rapid urban growth. The UDM supports this investigation and urges the SAHRC to prioritise Diepsloot and similar communities in their review.
We call on the Gauteng Department of Education to urgently place all unplaced learners in temporary, safe and properly resourced classrooms while awaiting permanent school infrastructure.
Provide clear timelines and transparent reporting on the completion of Tanganani Primary School and any other affected infrastructure projects.
