Warning against fraudsters offering school placements

Posted on November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 by

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has warned parents against fraudsters offering school placements in public schools for the 2026 academic year in exchange for money.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department said it has noted with concern reports of an individual known as “Godfrey” who is allegedly soliciting bribes from parents in exchange for school placements in Gauteng public schools.

“We would like to categorically state that there is no person by the name of “Godfrey” employed by the GDE in Tshwane, or any of our district offices, who is responsible for placements. Parents are strongly cautioned not to pay anyone who claims they can secure a school placement.

“Parents must understand that no individual can fast-track the placement process. Those who pay these fraudsters are paying for nothing, as all placements are managed strictly through the official GDE Online Admissions System,” the GDE said.

The department further cautioned that criminals often take advantage of parents’ anxiety during this period, therefore the public is urged to remain vigilant.

“Any suspicious activity or individuals claiming to represent the Department should be reported immediately,” the GDE said.

Placement process update and clarification

The 2026 Online Admissions Placement Period commenced on 16 October 2025, when the department began gradually sending out placement offers to parents and guardians via SMS and through the Online Admissions System.

“We wish to assure all parents and guardians that the placement process is ongoing and offers are still being issued daily. Every applicant with a complete application will receive a placement offer, there are no technical delays.

“Parents whose applications are still being processed are requested to be patient and wait for their placement offers,” the department said.

The department said those who have received offers are encouraged to accept them as final. If a parent receives an SMS indicating that their child has been placed in Grade 1 or Grade 8 at a specific school, this will be regarded as a successful placement. There is no need to log into the system to accept such an offer.

Parents who applied to more than one school may accept offers while awaiting others.

“If no further offers are received within seven days of receiving/accepting an offer, it means that all other schools applied to might have reached capacity. The learner will then be placed at the school where the last accepted offer was made,” the department said.

Placement criteria

-Placement offers are determined according to the following criteria, applied in order of priority (not on a first-come, first-served basis):
-Home address within the school’s feeder zone
-Sibling(s) or previous school
-Work address within the school’s feeder zone
-Home address within a 30km radius
-Home address beyond a 30km radius
-Placement is also subject to school capacity and the availability of space in schools.

“Applicants who cannot be accommodated at any of the schools they applied to due to capacity constraints will receive transfer offers to the next closest school with available space.

“These transfer offers are only made after confirming that none of the originally applied schools can accommodate the learner. Parents who receive such offers may accept or decline them,” the GDE said.

Objections and appeals

-To ensure fairness and transparency, parents may lodge an objection if they wish to contest a placement outcome:
-To submit an objection, the parent must decline the placement offer and complete the electronic objection form online.
-Objections must be submitted within 7 days of receiving the placement offer.
-Objections are reviewed on merit, and outcomes are communicated within 14 days.
-Parents who are dissatisfied with the objection outcome may appeal online within 7 days.
-Appeals are finalised within 14–21 days, and the outcome is final.
-Parents are urged to note that no objection or appeal may be lodged when a placement offer is made at one of the schools originally applied to.

“The Department continues to work tirelessly to place all learners for the 2026 academic year. Parents and guardians are once again reminded to refrain from engaging with any individual who claims to offer placement assistance in exchange for money.

“All communication from the GDE regarding placement is officially sent to applicants via SMS and the Online Admissions System. Parents are urged to remain patient and vigilant as we finalise the placement of every learner,” Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said.

For any placement-related enquiries, parents may contact the GDE Contact Centre at 0800 000 789 or visit their nearest district office.

Public urged to avoid Cape fur seals amid rabies risk

Posted on November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 by

The public is urged to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during the upcoming summer holiday season when encountering Cape fur seals.

While these marine mammals form an integral part of our coastal ecosystem, it is crucial to recognise that human-wildlife interactions can have severe consequences.

Recently, reports of aggression related to positive rabies cases have been noted in Cape fur seal populations. Seals may also carry other diseases that can be transmitted to humans and have sharp teeth that can cause physical damage.

It should be noted that activities that disturb seals in general are illegal without a permit, according to the NEMBA (National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act) TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) regulations. These activities include petting, as it disturbs the animal’s natural behaviour and exposes humans to potential dangers such as bites, scratches, infections and disease. Even in instances where a seal pup is found on a beach, people should avoid interacting with the animal. The public should contact the authorities who are trained and equipped to rescue and care for such animals.

While it is common for seals to haul out on beaches to rest, it is important to recognise any signs of distress or abnormal behaviour when encountering a seal. Seals may display defensive behaviour if they feel threatened or are injured. They may display aggressive or disoriented behaviour if infected by rabies.

Rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or direct contact with saliva and is fatal for both humans and unvaccinated animals.

The public is urged to stay away from seals and not to touch or engage with them. Swimmers and surfers must be extra vigilant while in the sea. If a seal is spotted, exit the water immediately and if you suspect it may have rabies, report it to the lifeguards or Municipal Authorities.

"As we approach the busy summer season, I remind everyone that Cape fur seals are wild animals. Even well-intentioned interactions can have serious consequences for both people and the animals. We urge the public to act responsibly, avoid contact, and immediately report any abnormal or aggressive seal behaviour to the authorities," says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.

In case of a seal bite/scratch/lick:

-If a seal bites/scratches someone in the water, the beach will be closed immediately, marked by the activation of a shark siren and the raising of a shark flag, if available.

-Shark spotters or lifeguards will promptly notify CapeNature and the State Veterinarian, who will provide guidance on the necessary action. Municipal Disaster Management and appropriate Marine Stranding Networks will also be informed.

-Lifeguards or first responders will monitor and track the seal's movements.

-The beach will only reopen after the seal has been safely removed or has vacated the area.

-Anyone bitten, scratched or licked by a suspect rabid seal should seek urgent medical care at the nearest hospital. At the scene, the wound must be thoroughly washed with soap and water for 10-15 minutes. The person must then be taken to the nearest hospital to receive post-exposure prophylactic treatment against rabies. The patient needs to inform the hospital personnel that the bite/scratch/lick is from a seal that may be rabid.

-A video of the seal's behaviour should be captured if possible and sent to CapeNature at 083 236 2924, including a location pin. This will be placed on the appropriate stranding network for advice and planned reaction.

If your pet has been bitten or scratched by a seal, consult the local state veterinarian. Provide details of the incident, including wound type, treatment received, and vaccination history. Follow the same wound-cleaning protocol for pets as for humans.

Ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies as this is the only means to protect them against this deadly disease. It is a legal requirement for all dogs and cats in South Africa to be vaccinated against rabies.

Contact details for Provincial Veterinary Services are available here.

‘Gauteng is ready’ to host G20 Leaders’ Summit – Premier Lesufi

Posted on November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 by

With global attention set to turn to Johannesburg in a few weeks for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has assuredly stated that “Gauteng is ready” to host the global gathering.

The Premier briefed the media on Tuesday – revealing a “comprehensive” plan to host the summit, including securing energy supply, cleaning and preparation of public spaces, the activation of a disaster management centre and the preparation of law enforcement.

The summit will be held in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 November 2025.

“A comprehensive and resilient energy plan is now in place to secure uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit but also for the overall energy supply to residents and businesses in our province.

“All primary electrification for key avenues and corridors is now complete with final minor work scheduled for timely conclusion in the next few weeks,” Lesufi said.

The energy plan also includes multiple layers of security, high mast solar lighting, the protection of cables and the installation of emergency generators.

“We have monitored the energy power at OR Tambo International Airport, the ICC and key hotels so that during the summit and beyond, we don’t have energy challenges that can disrupt the flow of visitors in our province.

“This integrated effort…not only ensures energy stability but also incorporates beautification and safety measures. Support by Eskom, we will continue to monitor the energy supply in our province,” Lesufi said.

Cleaning of public spaces – particularly the Joburg CBD – is also intensely underway with grass being cut, litter picked up and illegal dumps being cleared.

“New street furniture and bins have been installed in key areas, including the Cradle of Humankind, where we expect to host more tourists who want to experience this wonder of the world.

“We have rehabilitated streetlights in almost all major routes. We have enhanced safety and furthermore, we have developed and strengthened all our recycling stations so that all of them can be operational,” he added.

Ensuring protection
Safety and security are of paramount importance – with all law enforcement ready to serve.

“Gauteng is well equipped to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants and our residents.

The South African Police Service [SAPS], in full coordination with all other law enforcement agencies, has robust plans in place that we have all adopted and accepted.

“Our multi-level law enforcement strategy will see delegates escorted by a unified force comprising of SAPS, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Provincial Traffic and all metropolitan police departments will be deployed to escort and support our visitors.

“A coordinated and comprehensive strategy has ensured that the province’s main ports of entry are all operating at an elevated state of readiness. This includes streamlined and enhanced security protocols and exceptional logistics support to facilitate the seamless and secure arrival and departure of all international guests,” the Premier highlighted.

In preparation for the possibility of disaster, the provincial disaster management centre “stands ready to ensure a secure and seamless” summit.

“A comprehensive multiagency command centre has been established – integrating all emergency services, law enforcement and essential service providers to facilitate real-time coordination and rapid response.

“With personnel strategically deployed and a state-of-the-art technology for monitoring and communication, the centre is prepared to manage any potential scenario from medical emergencies and security incidents to logistical disruptions so that we can ensure the safety of all delegates and the uninterrupted progress of this critical global gathering,” he said.

The Premier assured that delegates can look forward to the vibrancy of Johannesburg’s and the broader Gauteng province’s atmosphere.

“As we prepare to handover this province to national government, we do so with immense pride and confidence that Gauteng is ready.

“We have worked as one, we have delivered on our commitments and we are prepared to offer the world a warm and exceptionally unique experience about our province. Gauteng is ready, zwakala. Let’s make this an experience that we’ll all love,” Lesufi concluded.