​Thabo Bodibe 
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that all learners who applied for the 2023 Online Admissions application period have been placed. 
"We have been hard at work to increase capacity in high-pressure areas through various means to ensure that all learners are placed accordingly," the department's spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Monday.
Mabona said about 176 unplaced learners at the Tshwane West District have been placed at a new satellite school registered as North Park Secondary School. 
Learners will start attending class on Monday, 6 February 2023.
From an initial number of 223 unplaced learners within the Tshwane West District, 47 learners have since been placed at Amadasig Secondary and are currently attending class on a rotational basis. 
In Ekurhuleni North District, the initial 232 unplaced Grade 1 learners in Olifantsfontein were placed in Olifantsfontein Primary School, where capacity has been increased. 
According to Mabona, the Olifantsfontein Primary School received 11 additional mobiles, of which 8 are currently being installed to accommodate learners who are being taught in the school hall.
The initial 501 unplaced Grade 8 applicants in Kempton Park has been reduced as 106 learners were placed at schools with available space. The remaining 395 learners were placed at a satellite school registered as New Kempton Park Secondary School. 
"Regrettably, despite efforts by the Department, parents of the unplaced learners in Kempton Park raised safety concerns about the vicinity of this satellite school and are consequently refusing this placement," said Mabona.
Mabona said engagements with the parents will continue in a meeting with the MEC scheduled for Tuesday, 31 January 2023, at 17:00 PM. 
"We appeal to these parents to accept this placement."
In Johannesburg West District, of the initial 434 Grade 8 applicants that were unplaced in Roodepoort, 38 learners were accommodated at schools where capacity has been increased, and 396 learners were accommodated at a satellite school registered as Robinhood College in Maraisburg. 
Teaching at the school is expected to commence today. 
Meanwhile, the pupils who allegedly spilt food prepared for them at Alexandra High School on Thursday have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.
In a viral video, the learners are seen throwing out food prepared for them during lunchtime. 
Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was disappointed by the behaviour displayed by the learners. 
"The School Nutrition Programme plays a vital role in the well-being of our learners. As such, it must be treated with respect and remembered as an initiative that is meant to benefit all learners equally," added Chiloane.