* This story has been updated.
Cape Town - As millions of pupils across the country go back to school on Wednesday, some children are not yet able to start the 2019 academic year as they have not been placed or enrolled in a school.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond advised parents who have been unable to place their child or children in a school, or who have failed to enrol their child early, to approach their district office for assistance.
"Each district office has identified officials who will assist parents who struggle to find a place," Hammond said. "They can visit the WCED website for a list of district officials as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding enrolments."
Hammond said additional spaces would also become available where learners have “double parked” by accepting at more than one school.
"We are aware that there will be areas of demand and have planned as far as possible to counter this with additional resources and mobiles, however, we sometimes cannot predict where increased growth occurs. For example, the relocation of a community to another area.
"The WCED will have a clearer idea of shifts in enrolment after the 10-day Snap survey later in January."
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says that parents waiting placement for their children should do the following:
* E-mail your waiting list number to admissions.hotline@gauteng.gov.za to check if your child is placed or not.
* Contact the Department trough the call Centre 0800 000 789.
* Visit their nearest District Office.
The Gauteng Education Department added that that there are different categories of parents. "There are those who have offers of placement and need to accept them before Friday, otherwise they may lose them to other parents. Parents must remember to submit their documents to the school as soon as possible."