According to the department, about 71 275 parents have not yet responded to offers of placement, which may result in these parents forfeiting their spot in the queue.
In addition, the lack of response is causing serious delays on the system.
The department has sent SMS notifications to these parents to remind them to respond to the offers of placement.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, said: “Since the placement period started three weeks ago, on July 24, 117 081 learners have been placed. A total of 65 595 learners have been placed in Grade One and 51 486 in Grade Eight. The placement of learners will close on October 20.”
In total, the GDE received 285 834 applications by the closing date, June 12, of which 157 369 were for Grade One and 128 465 for Grade Eight.
All schools, district offices and the GDE head office are able to assist parents to accept offers of placement.
“Parents should be rest assured that districts are currently in the process of placing learners who were not placed by schools.
“The department is working around the clock to finalise placement of unplaced learners by October 20. All parents who have not yet submitted the required documents to the relevant school will be advised on a date to submit.
“The department will determine when to open the online application system for late applications, after the placement of applicants who applied on or before June 12 is concluded. The decision will be communicated in the media,” he said.
Parents, who have not received any response thus far, are urged to contact their district office.
Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, said: “Once more, we thank the people of Gauteng for the overwhelming response to the online admissions. The early processing of admissions means that learning and teaching can commence on the first day of the 2018 academic calendar. The co-operation of parents will be highly appreciated.”
Parents experiencing challenges may contact the following channels:
- Call centre: 0800 000 789
- Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.
- Social media: Twitter and Instagram – @EducationGP and Gauteng Department of Education on Facebook
- Parents may visit their nearest district office for assistance with further queries.
