Gauteng MEC denies claims foreign learners are prioritised in schools

MEC Chiloane pushes back on misinformation

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has firmly rejected recent claims that foreign learners are being given preference over South African students in public school placements. Speaking to the media, Chiloane described the allegations as “misleading and unfounded”, emphasizing that the province’s education system remains committed to prioritising local learners in line with legislation and departmental policies.

“We wish to reiterate that the department does not have a directive instructing schools or officials to prioritise foreign nationals during learner placements,” Chiloane said.

How placements work in Gauteng

Chiloane explained that while the online admissions system applies to Grade 1 and Grade 8, applications for other gradesfrom Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 11are managed directly at the school level. This can create challenges for schools with limited space, particularly in high-pressure areas like Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.

To address this, the department urges schools to work closely with district offices to manage placements efficiently, ensuring fairness and adherence to policy.

“No school is permitted to prioritise foreign national learners ahead of South African learners,” Chiloane said. “Any school or official found to be contravening admissions policies will face consequence management.”

2026 admissions update

The department is steadily processing applications for the 2026 academic year, including late submissions. As of this week, 2,763 learners remain unplaced, including 735 Grade 1 and 2,028 Grade 8 students. Chiloane reassured parents that every qualifying learner will be accommodated, though not always in their first-choice school.

The online admissions portal, which reopened for late applications on 17 December 2025, has already processed 27,140 submissions14,273 for Grade 1 and 12,867 for Grade 8. Late applicants are limited to selecting one school, and once chosen, placement is final for the 2026 academic year.

The system will remain open until 30 January 2026, displaying only schools with available space.

Transparency and fairness remain top priorities

Chiloane highlighted that the admissions system is transparent and lawful, reinforcing that Gauteng does not prioritise foreign learners over South African children.

“Our teams continue to engage schools daily to identify available spaces and finalise placements,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring that every child who qualifies for placement is accommodated in a public school in Gauteng.”

The MEC’s statement comes amid a surge in public concern and social media discussion over school placements, with some parents alleging unfair treatment of South African learners. Chiloane’s warning underscores the department’s determination to protect equitable access and maintain confidence in the province’s school admission processes.

{Source: IOL}

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