Gauteng Education Admissions: 4,858 learners still await 2026 placements
Zuko Komisa
- Out of 358,574 total applications, only 4,858 learners (1.5%) remain to be placed for the 2026 academic year.
- The remaining unplaced cohort consists of 1,381 Grade 1 pupils and 3,477 Grade 8 pupils.
- High-pressure areas in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg account for the majority of these outstanding placements.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has announced that 4,858 learners are yet to be placed for the 2026 academic year. This figure represents just 1.5% of the 358,574 total applications processed through the province’s Online Admissions system.
As of 6 January 2026, the remaining unplaced cohort consists of 1,381 Grade 1 pupils and 3,477 Grade 8 pupils, reflecting significant progress in the department’s annual intake cycle.
Placement pressure is currently concentrated in urban hubs due to rapid population growth and infrastructure constraints.
Ekurhuleni is the most affected region, with 3,169 unplaced learners, particularly within the Ekurhuleni North and South districts.
Johannesburg East also faces high demand, with over 1,000 Grade 8 pupils awaiting spots.
In contrast, districts such as Tshwane North and Sedibeng East have reached near-total stabilisation, with only a nominal number of learners remaining.
To clear the remaining backlog, the Department is issuing daily placement and transfer offers while utilising capacity in neighbouring schools.
Meanwhile, the late application window remains open until 30 January 2026 for those who missed the initial phase.
To date, 11,183 late applications have been recorded. Parents who have successfully secured placements during this late period are advised to submit required physical documentation to their respective schools starting from 14 January.
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