Madam Deputy Speaker, the South African Schools Act of 1996 is a law that governs the admission of learners to any public school in South Africa. Section 5 of the Act advises on the reasons for which schools cannot refuse admission to learners.
Be that as it may, scores of learners are being refused admission to schools, and this is most importantly due to the neglect of parents and guardians in respect of the processes and requirements for the admission of learners.
While it is indeed against the law to refuse admission to any child in South Africa, this statement today from the ANC serves to remind parents and guardians that they must assist the Department of Basic Education by following all the processes for admission in good time and not leaving anything to the last minute or to chance.
For the 2013 schooling year, the registration period for learners commences in July and closes in September. However, Gauteng has brought its registration period forward to May 2012 in order to get ready to deal with the influx of learners. It will close at the end of July 2012. Late registration and placement of learners will be completed in September 2012. I thank you. [Applause.]