On the first day of opening applications for 2019 school admissions, the Gauteng Department of Education said it received 144 124 online applications.
“The Gauteng Department of Education is pleased with day one of online admissions for Grade 1 and 8. By 15:15, the department had received 144 124 successful applications. The system is efficient in handling a large volume of applications,” said Gauteng Basic Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
Within the first 10 minutes of going live on its system, the department received over 10 000 successful applications.
With the high influx of applications, the department said it identified a few challenges including parents entering home and work addresses incorrectly, delays with sending waiting list numbers and issues with web operating systems.
“With regards to the addresses, we appeal to parents to first select their municipality, then select the town. Thereafter, parents can select the township or suburb in which they live.
“When you follow this procedure, you should not have a problem with finding your street address,” said MEC Lesufi.
When applying, parents are urged to use Google Chrome, as the department’s site is linked with Google Maps, making it easier to locate addresses.
According to the department, Google Chrome is faster and most compatible browser with the online application system.
The department said it had roped in Vodacom to curb delays with waiting list numbers.
“We are experiencing delays with regards to the waiting list numbers. However, our partner Vodacom is assisting in this regard,” said MEC Lesufi.
Applications for Grade 1 and 8 will close at midnight on 28 May 2018.
“The online application system is the future. It provides a fair and equitable opportunity for parents to apply at public schools. We are very humbled by the support and response from parents,” said MEC Lesufi.
To apply and secure space for their children, parents must visit www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to submit their online applications.
Parents without access to the internet or require face-to-face assistance are encouraged to visit one of the decentralised application centres or a community library.
The department will operate 57 admissions centres across the 15 education districts.
Alternatively, parents can contact the department at the following telephone or email address:
Call Centre on (011) 355 0000;
Toll free number 0800 000 789; or
Email: Gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Parents that have Grade R learners must apply online for Grade 1. For all other grades, Grades 2-7 and Grade 9-11, parents should apply at the school.
While the first day got off to a productive start, the MEC urged parents who are yet to apply to do so on time before the 28 May deadline.
“We appeal to parents to apply online and apply on time. Once more, we are humbled by the overwhelming positive response from parents and promise to do everything possible to make the experience problem free,” said the MEC. – SAnews.gov.za
