Relief and celebration have marked the successful placement of 13-year-old Roxanne “Roxie” Ndwandwe at a Cape Town school after weeks of uncertainty that had left the Grade 8 learner at home while the academic year commenced. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed the placement, bringing an end to an emotionally taxing period for the learner and her family.
The breakthrough follows intervention by African Times and the Forum for South Africa (FOSA), after Roxanne’s plight gained public attention on social media. The learner had posted a video on TikTok appealing for assistance after being unsuccessful in securing placement at several schools despite applications being submitted.
African Times identified the case late in 2025 and immediately engaged FOSA and other stakeholders to seek urgent intervention. FOSA subsequently issued a public statement calling for Roxanne’s placement, stressing that access to basic education is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution of South Africa.
On 15 January 2026, African Times again formally approached the WCED regarding the matter. On 19 January, the department confirmed that Roxanne had been placed at one of the schools she had applied to, bringing closure to the case.
Roxanne’s mother, Gugu Thabethe, expressed deep gratitude and relief following the confirmation.
“We just received school confirmation. This is really a good school and it was our second option, and it is close by which will make it easy for her to travel. Thank you so much for the help,” Thabethe said.
She said the placement has lifted a heavy emotional burden from her family, particularly from her daughter, who had been deeply affected by the uncertainty.
“My biggest concern was that my daughter was struggling to get a school, which led to her being in a state of depression,” Thabethe explained. “She is smart and hardworking. She finished her Grade 7 second in her class. Not getting a placement was stressful for her, but now she is excited to start her Grade 8.”
Intervention Leads to Positive Outcome
In a statement issued on 19 January 2026 under the banner Justice for 13-Year-Old Roxie, FOSA confirmed that the learner’s placement had finally been secured following sustained engagement with authorities and media advocacy.
FOSA outlined that Roxanne had faced difficulties accessing a public school in the Western Cape for two consecutive years, despite her mother applying within the prescribed admissions periods. According to the organisation, the family’s circumstances were further complicated by the fact that Thabethe works in the Western Cape and could not leave her child behind in Mpumalanga.
“Following FOSA’s intervention and media engagement, 13-year-old Roxie has finally been accepted into a school,” the organisation said. “We are pleased to announce that this matter has now come to an end.”
The organisation thanked journalists and members of the public who helped amplify the issue, noting that public awareness played a significant role in ensuring that the case received the necessary attention.
“This case highlights a painful reality: many young children continue to struggle to find school placements, showing that government is failing to plan adequately for the future of our children,” FOSA said, while reaffirming its commitment to advocating for learners’ rights.
WCED Welcomes Placement Outcome
The Western Cape Education Department welcomed the successful placement and said it was pleased that the learner had been accommodated at one of the schools she applied to.
“We are delighted that the learner has been placed and in one of the schools she applied to. We hope she has a successful and happy school career,” the department said.
The WCED explained that school placements often continue to open up after the academic year has started, particularly once enrolment lists are finalised.
“As indicated to the media, there will be, and there are, places opening up at schools following the finalisation of the promotion and progression process and the schools’ enrolment lists,” the department said.
The department further noted that a significant number of learners who have confirmed placements at schools do not always arrive when the school year begins, which creates additional space for learners who applied late or are still awaiting placement.
“There are also a large number of learners that have not arrived at schools, which will further open up spaces after the tenth school day,” the WCED said.
According to the department, learners can only be legally deregistered after being absent for ten school days without a valid reason.
“Some learners who have confirmed placement at schools do not arrive and can be deregistered after the 10th school day, allowing for the placement of learners that have applied late. In one school, up to 50 learners have not arrived,” the department revealed.
The WCED added that while there may be empty seats at certain schools, these cannot always be immediately allocated due to administrative and legal requirements.
“While there may be empty seats for learners in some of our schools – seats that fit the profiles of some late applications, whether language or subject choice – we cannot use these seats until the 10th day survey results are accurately assessed and approved, unless the parent formally deregisters their own child,” the department said.
It added that the tenth school day has historically provided opportunities for further learner placements, as was the case with Roxanne.
A New Chapter Begins
With her placement now confirmed, Roxanne is preparing to begin her Grade 8 year with renewed excitement and confidence. For her family, the outcome represents not only relief but also hope that other learners facing similar challenges will also find solutions.
As organisations like African Times and FOSA celebrate the successful resolution of the case, the story stands as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, advocacy and collaboration in ensuring that every child’s right to education is upheld.
“Education is a right, not a privilege,” FOSA said – a sentiment echoed in the relief of a family and the smile of a learner finally heading back to the classroom.
