Schools must also use online registration process
Any parent who lacks access to the internet or requires face-to-face assistance should visit one of the decentralised application centres or a community library.
On April 16 the Gauteng Department of Education opened the online registration process which allows parents to register their children for Grade One and Grade Eight in 2019.
At the time, department spokesperson Steve Mabona stressed that parents with Grade R learners must apply online for Grade One.
Since then, it has come to the Advertiser’s attention that some schools in Boksburg are apparently not making use of the online registration process and are informing parents that the school only accepts hard copy registrations that have been filled in at the school.
Some of these forms apparently do not align with the online registration forms and have additional requirements and questions for parents.
According to Sybil Paddy, the chief education specialist for school governance and management development, this is a serious matter and is not allowed.
“Schools are not allowed to bypass the online registration process,” said Paddy.
- No additional questions allowed
According to Paddy, schools are not permitted to ask more detailed questions such as financial details, which are not required on the online registration form or on the forms submitted to the school for registration.
“This additional information is not required for registration in any regard and parents should not give this information on forms if it is not asked for when they complete the online registration.
“If the school tells the parents that they do not use the online registration process, the parents are urged to report it to the department of education immediately,” said Paddy
“Schools are not allowed to tell parents that they are not working with the online process and that the parents have to come to the school and fill in forms. Consequence management action will be applied when a school does not make use of the online registration system.”
Applications for Grade One and Grade Eight close at midnight on May 28. Parents must visit www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to apply.
The department is operating 57 admissions centres across the 15 education districts.
Alternatively, parents may contact the department’s call centre on 011 355 0000, the toll free number 0800 000 789 or email Gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
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