Toll free number for parents registering children

Friday, August 5, 2011

Pretoria - The Mpumalanga Education Department has released a toll free number for parents to use if they encounter any problems with registering their children at school.

The department called on all parents to register their children of school going age for the 2012 school year before 30 October 2011. Parents and guardians can call 0800 203 116 if they encounter problems.

Department spokesperson Jasper Zwane reminded parents to bring along proof of identity either in the form of an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, proof of birth and residence as well as a transfer card and report card if the child is moving from one school to another.

"Admission cannot be refused on the grounds that parents cannot pay school fees, and the child does not subscribe to the religious policy of the school.

"Learners with disabilities should also be registered in accordance with the stipulations of White Paper no. 6," Zwane explained.

Reiterating the significance of early registration of learners, Zwane said it enables the department to ensure that required resources, such as the Learner Teacher Support Material, Educators and Paper Budgets are provided in accordance with the actual number of learners registered at the different schools.

"Early registration of learners enables schools to commence with teaching and learning on the first day of school reopening," he said.