Western Cape receives record number of school applications for 2026 [SOUND]

# The Western Cape Education Department has received a record 164-thousand-565 on-time applications for Grade R, 1, and 8 placements in 2026. This is an increase of 12-thousand-577 from the previous year. The department has announced that schools will now begin offering placements from 30 May, and parents must confirm by 17 June. Education MEC David Maynier says late applications will close on 16 May: