Nearly 5,000 Gauteng Learners Still Without School Placement for 2026

Gauteng Learners Still Without School Placement for 2026: What the Latest Numbers Mean

Gauteng Learners Still Without School Placement dropped to 4,858 as of 6 January 2026. The Gauteng Department of Education keeps issuing placement and transfer offers daily. Pressure remains highest in metro areas, where school capacity stays tight. 

Gauteng Learners Still Without School Placement: Latest district pressure points

Ekurhuleni remains the main pressure district in the latest breakdown. Parents in Ekurhuleni North face the biggest Grade 8 backlog. 

• Ekurhuleni North: Grade 1 unplaced 381; Grade 8 unplaced 1,360. 
• Ekurhuleni South: Grade 1 unplaced 569; Grade 8 unplaced 612. 
• Gauteng East: Grade 1 unplaced 85; Grade 8 unplaced 162. 

The Gauteng Department of Education links the remaining backlog to metro growth and infrastructure limits. Statistics South Africa also describes Gauteng as the smallest province by land area, yet the largest by population. Population pressure raises demand for school seats, especially near economic hubs.

What the Gauteng Department of Education says, and why progress looks steady

The Gauteng Department of Education reports daily placement and transfer offers, supported by targeted district interventions. Earlier updates show how quickly numbers can shift. On 12 December 2025, the province still had 15,144 unplaced applicants. 

The department also described operational steps behind placements. They stated, “the department conducted a capacity audit at all schools” before placement work started. On the same update, the department recorded 721 schools at full capacity. 

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said: “We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng.” The MEC also urged parents to stay “patient and cooperative” while placements continue. 

Appeals, objections, and late applications: rules parents need to know

The late application window started on 17 December 2025 and ends on 30 January 2026. The department has recorded 11,183 late applications so far. 

The Citizen report states a strict rule for late applications. Placements “cannot be declined”, and no further objections or appeals follow. Parents also need to take documents to the chosen school from 14 January. 

Appeals also remain active in the main process. The department recorded 6,736 placement appeals, with 637 objections still awaiting adjudication. The department also states that appeal outcomes stay final. 

Expert and official voices: what the backlog signals

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona told eNCA: “We have placed over 358,000 learners… and… still have over 5,000 unplaced.” Mabona also said the department continues to work with districts to finalise placements.

National planning data also explains demand pressure. The Department of Basic Education sector review points to growth in the school-age population, with projections showing an increase between 2011 and 2028. Gauteng, as the population centre, often feels the demand first. 

What parents should do next

Use a simple, time-based checklist.

• Check the learner status daily on the admissions system. 
• Accept offers within the stated window on the platform.
• Prepare certified documents and submit fast when the school requests proof.
• Use official support lines and avoid paid “placement services”. 

Official contact details:

• Call: 0800 000 789
• WhatsApp: 060 891 0361
• Email: admissions.hotline@gauteng.gov.za / gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za 

Gauteng Learners Still Without School Placement FAQs

How many learners remain unplaced for 2026 in Gauteng?
The Gauteng Department of Education recorded 4,858 unplaced learners on 6 January 2026. 

Which district faces the highest pressure?
Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure district in the latest breakdown.

What happens during late applications?
Late applications run from 17 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. The department treats placements from late applications as final. 

Where should parents get help?
Use the official call centre, WhatsApp line, or shared email addresses that can be found above.