Western Cape Education Department faces criticism despite placing thousands of learners

The Western Cape Education Department faces scrutiny as it reports high placement numbers amidst ongoing admission issues. The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that over 26 000 learners have been placed across the provincewith 1870who have yet to be accommodated. Education watchdogs and political parties have criticised the numbers, citing it was not a true reflection of the reality faced by many.

Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communications for the WCED said that since the beginning of January 2026, the Western Cape Education Department(WCED) has placed 26 312 Grade R, 1, and 8 learners across the province. “This is in addition to the tens of thousands of learners placed during 2025. Despite having placed 96% of all learners who applied last year including late applications submitted up to December 10 — the WCED experienced an unprecedented number of new extremely late applications at the start of 2026,” Hammond explained.

She added that since the beginning of January 2026, the WCED received 25 065 new, extremely late applications for Grades R, 1 and 8. As of February 6, 2026, for Grade 8, the WCED has placed 99.6% of learners for whom applications were received, with placement in progress for 396 learners. The department said in Grade 1, placement is in progress for 326 learners, representing a placement rate of over 99% and for Grade R, placement is in progress for 1 148 learners.

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13 905 extremely late applications were received for Grade R this year. “With schools having only reopened on the January 14, our officials have worked extremely hard to place learners as quickly as possible,” she explained. “The fact that more than 26 000 placements have been made within four weeks is a remarkable accomplishment by our team.

“The WCED has consistently communicated that the 10th school day is a critical milestone in the admissions process. “It allows schools to confirm actual attendance through physical headcounts, deregister learners who have not arrived; and identify available spaces for rapid placement. “While it is always preferable for all learners to be in school on the first day, the reality is that late applications require time.

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