By Steve Mabona
Gauteng Department of Education Spokesperson
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is aware of the campaign undertaken by Operation Dudula today on Monday, 22 September 2025, in Soweto calling for schools to prioritise South African learners over foreign nationals.
Accordingly, the GDE has interacted with Operation Dudula and reiterated that admissions to public schools are governed by the Gauteng School Admissions Regulations.
Learners are admitted based on the admissions criteria, in the following order of priority:
1.Home address within the school’s feeder zone
2.Sibling(s) already enrolled at the school or previous school attended
3.Work address within the school’s feeder zone
4.Home address within a 30km radius of the school
5.Home address beyond a 30km radius of the school
Parents and guardians are also reminded that placement according to the above criteria is determined by the capacity of each school.
Citizenship or immigration status is not a determining factor in the allocation of school spaces.
The Department also reminds all members of the public that legislation does not permit the disruption of schools or the interference with teaching and learning.
Schools must remain safe and accessible environments for all learners, parents and employees.
The GDE calls on all organisations to refrain from disrupting schools and the education of learners.
The department continues to uphold the rights of every child to access quality education and will ensure that all school admissions are administered in accordance with the law, policy, and ethical governance.