Late applications expose ongoing strain in Western Cape schools

More than 7,300 late applications for Grades R, 1 and 8 have added pressure to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). These applications arrived months after the official deadline, during the holiday period, just weeks before schools reopen on 13 January.

The situation has again raised concerns about readiness for the 2026 school year. Cosatu in the Western Cape says it is already hearing from parents whose children have not been placed, a problem it argues has persisted for years without a lasting solution.

According to Cosatu, the failure to plan properly continues to harm learners. The WCED says it has placed 96.3% of learners and is in a better position than last year. It insists schools are ready, with new classrooms, resources and furniture in place, but admits that late applications and difficulty contacting parents continue to strain the system.

The way through is for the WCED to decentralise and stop trying the failed top-down approach to education.