The Otjozondjupa Regional Education Directorate is working to secure school placements for 921 learners, with Grade 1, Grade 8, and Grade 10 being the most affected.

Currently, 394 Grade 1 learners, 417 Grade 8 learners, and 110 Grade 10 learners in Grootfontein, Okahandja, and Otjiwarongo are still without placement.

To address the situation, the directorate is considering implementing the platoon system, a method used in some countries but not considered ideal due to its impact on learning hours.

Gerhard Ndafenongo, Education Director for Otjozondjupa Region, explained:

"Parents of unplaced learners should report to the inspector of education, who will guide them on available options. We have explored alternatives to ensure no child is left without a school. However, the platoon system, while a temporary solution, is not ideal due to time constraints."

Ndafenongo also confirmed plans to construct a new secondary school in Okahandja’s Five Rand Settlement, expected to be operational by 2026. Additional classrooms will be built at existing schools in Otjiwarongo and Okahandja to ease overcrowding.

The region also faces a shortage of 30 teachers—12 for Grade 1, 14 for Grade 8, and four for Grade 10—further compounding the challenges in accommodating all learners.