The Gauteng Department of Education is struggling to place all pupils in government schools‚ and exam markers still waiting for their cash have a few more days to wait.

In a statement on Thursday‚ it announced that the number of unplaced learners that applied online has been substantially reduced to 377. All these learners will be placed by the end of the week.

“On the other hand‚ the department received 19‚536 new applications in January 2017. So far‚ 15‚657 learners have been placed in a space of two weeks leaving a balance of 3‚879 unplaced learners.”

The department said is satisfied with the progress made so far. “More effort will be directed to placing all unplaced learners.”

Commenting on the money owed to exam markets‚ the department said that following approval by the Provincial Treasury‚ it has processed payment of the balance owed to exam markers.

 “It is anticipated that the funds will be in the accounts of the markers in five working days.

“The Department once more apologise for the delay in the payment of markers. They provide essential service that enable the Department to mark exam papers in order to issue results on time.”