Gauteng Education Department Allocates R207 Million for Satellite Schools

In a major educational infrastructure development, the Gauteng Education Department is setting the stage to address the pressing need for more school placements in the province with a R207 million investment. This funding is earmarked for the establishment of mobile units that will serve as satellite schools starting from the 2025 academic year.

The decision comes in response to the overwhelming number of applications received by the department for grades 1 and 8, which exceeded 300,000 this year. As the standard school placements continue, any remaining students will be accommodated in these innovative satellite schools. To facilitate this, approximately 625 mobile units have been procured.

These mobile units are not just stopgap solutions but are part of a broader strategy to cope with the increasing demand for educational spaces in high-pressure areas of Gauteng. Over the past three years, the province has seen the construction of 20 satellite schools, and plans are underway to add about 15 more.

Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department, emphasized the strategic placement of these mobile schools. "We are focusing on high-pressure areas where the need is greatest. With over ten satellite schools currently operational and more on the way, our goal is to significantly reduce the placement pressures we are facing," Mabona explained.

This initiative is crucial for the department, striving to ensure every child's right to education is upheld by accommodating all applicants within suitable learning environments. The new satellite schools, therefore, represent a critical expansion of educational infrastructure, designed to meet the needs of a growing young population in one of South Africa’s most densely populated regions.

With construction and placement planned with precision, the future of over 300,000 young learners looks more promising. These mobile units, equipped to provide a quality educational experience, signify a significant leap toward educational accessibility and adaptability in Gauteng.