Matome Chiloane

A 10-year-old Grade 5 learner died after a goal post fell on him at Reagile Primary School in Tembisa, Johannesburg, the Gauteng Department of Education said on Tuesday.

The department said it was 'actively engaging' with operators to address unpaid invoices.

The Toyota Quantum taxi was overloaded, according to police.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said she had learned “with deep sadness” of the crash.

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has dismissed what he said were misleading and unfounded claims that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) prioritises foreign nationals over South African learners when placing children in public schools.

The Department of Basic Education has assured parents and the nation that all unplaced learners will be allocated schools when learning begins on Wednesday.

The Gauteng Department of Education said more than 4,500 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners in the province were still awaiting placement ahead of the 2026 academic year, but added that the figure was relatively low, representing 1.5% of total applications received.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has announced that late applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 will open on 17 December 2025.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of an “obsession” and a campaign to assassinate Premier Panyaza Lesufi's character, following a Sunday World article alleging corruption in school security tenders linked to matric exams.

Speaking at the 2025 Grade 12 NSC pledge signing ceremony at Hoërskool Vorentoe in Johannesburg, Chiloane urged learners to exercise discipline and resist online distractions.