The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is facing an uphill battle for the placement of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners.

The nbc News sat down with the Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, for an update on the 2024 placements for Grades 1 and 8.

Otjozondjupa, |Khomas and Erongo regions are at the top of the list, grappling with placement challenges.

In the |Khomas Region, 389 Grade 1 learners and 600 Grade 8 learners are still waiting for placement.

The Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, said this may result in exceeding the laid-down norm of '1 teacher to 25 learners', which is already happening in some regions.

The ministry, she said, will look at introducing a platoon system where some classes will start in the afternoon.

Some regions, like ||Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke, have not reported any placement problems for Grades 1 or 8.

The ministry, Steenkamp said, is continuing with the construction of more schools and additional classes to address the placement issues.

An update on placement progress is expected by the first week of February. 

The Ministry states that it is committed to addressing placement issues, and parents are encouraged to trust the education process and collaborate with teachers, principals, and school boards.