The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, is concerned about the high amount of incomplete online applications for grades One and Eight.
He urged parents to ensure full completion of the five-step application process to secure their children’s placement at Gauteng public schools for the 2025 academic year.
As of July 23 at noon, the number of incomplete grades One and Eight online applications stood at 146 268, putting the placement of learners at risk.
To ensure placement, parents must complete the five-step application process as follows:
Step 1: Register parent/guardian details.
Step 2: Register home address details.
Step 3: Register learner details.
Step 4: Apply to a minimum of three schools or a maximum of five.
Step 5: Upload documents to the system or submit the documents physically to selected schools.
Applications for which documents were not submitted or where the application process was not completed will be considered incomplete and, as such, will not be processed for placement.
Crucially, parents must check the SMSs they receive from the online admission system, which notifies them of their application status, incomplete steps and other important information regarding their application.
Furthermore, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) discourages parents from using Internet cafes for applications. It was found that these establishments often fail to complete the five-step application process correctly and end up mixing parent information, leading to further complications and incomplete applications.
Parents must not falsify documents. All submitted information is subject to verification by the schools. Children of parents found guilty of submitting fraudulent documents will not be placed.
On July 23 at noon, 610 839 applications were recorded, with 255 160 for Grade One and 355 679 for Grade Eight.
The application period for grades One and Eight admissions will close on August 12. To apply, visit www.gdeadmissions.gov.za and complete the five-step application process.
Applicants must upload certified copies of the required documents online or submit them to all selected schools within seven days of application. The required documents include:
• The South African parent’s ID or passport and the child’s birth certificate or passport;
• Proof of home address;
• The latest Grade Seven school report for Grade Eight applicants;
• A clinic card or immunisation report for Grade One applicants. Additional documents are required for non-South African citizens.
School administrators and principals are reminded to ensure that all documents – whether uploaded online or submitted physically by applicants – are thoroughly, accurately and fairly verified to ensure no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged.
The GDE remains committed to assisting parents who might not have the means to apply online. All schools in the province and the 80 Decentralised Walk-In Centres are available to provide support throughout the application process, ensuring no child is left behind due to technological constraints.
The GDE Contact Centre operates Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 17:00, Fridays from 07:30 to 16:30, and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00 should you have queries regarding the application process for your learner for the 2025 academic year.
You can call 0800 000 789 for assistance, send a query on WhatsApp to 060 891 0361, or email gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
“We strongly urge parents to complete the entire application process. Incomplete applications mean your child’s placement cannot be guaranteed. Please double-check your profile on the system or contact the department for further assistance,” said Chiloane.
