Thousands of undocumented learners have been left vulnerable after many of their guardians reportedly fled South Africa ahead of the planned 30 June protest
By Mapaballo Borotho

Thousands of undocumented learners in South Africa have reportedly been left stranded and without parental support after many of their legal guardians fled the country amid growing fears surrounding the planned 30 June protest against undocumented foreign nationals.
This was revealed by Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile as concerns continue to mount over the welfare of vulnerable children caught in the middle of the ongoing immigration debate.
The March and March movement has been praised by some as a campaign aimed at addressing South Africa’s deteriorating socio-economic challenges.
However, it has also exposed unintended consequences, particularly for undocumented children who now find themselves in increasingly vulnerable circumstances.
Addressing the issue on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, Maile said the Gauteng Department of Education is working on interventions to address concerns surrounding undocumented learners.
“I have already asked the national Department of Basic Education for a list of all the undocumented children in our schools, following the court ruling that requires us to admit them. We are examining their ages, the schools they attend, and the financial implications of supporting their education,” he said.
More than R70 billion allocated to education in Gauteng
Meanwhile, the Gauteng government has set aside R70.9 billion for education as it grapples with overcrowded classrooms, infrastructure backlogs, and increasing learner enrolment across the province.
Speaking to Phemelo Motene on Kaya 959’s Point of View, Maile outlined the province’s plans to improve school safety, expand capacity, and ensure quality education for millions of learners despite mounting pressure on the education system.
The budget will be distributed across various sectors aimed at improving access to education and learner support services.
Of the total allocation, R297.6 million has been earmarked for Library and Archival Services, including R194.8 million that will be transferred to municipalities to sustain and modernise community library services.
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