Schools across Gauteng have been sending confirmation of acceptance to parents of Grade 1 and 8 learners since October 15, to the joy of many.
Unfortunately, some schools have left parents frustrated and stressed after they were reportedly told that they would need to pay a certain amount to the school upon their arrival to guarantee their child’s placement.
One such parent, Mandi-Lee Beck, was informed upon her arrival to accept the placement that she needed to pay R3 000 or risk losing her child’s position. She said, “The approval letter we got said we would need to pay R3 000. When I got to the school, I explained that I couldn’t afford it as yet but can pay R1 000. They declined and told me that if I don’t pay it, I could lose the position as the acceptances are done on a first come, first [served] basis.”
Beck was angered at the fact that it felt like the policy was being used to separate the rich from the poor. “It feels like the school has found a way to deny poorer learners acceptance to the school. Only those with money will be allowed to register but the rest of us have to find other schools, even though they have already accepted us.”
She questioned the policy stating that it was a barrier to their children’s right to an education. Spokesperson of the Gauteng Education Department Steve Mabona said there is no such policy in place and that schools cannot demand such payments from parents. He explained, “If your child has been placed and accepted, they have been accepted. There is no policy saying schools can do this and [fees] will only be expected to be paid from next year.”
He confirmed that schools have no right to rescind their acceptance due to parents failure to pay right away and advised parents that have been told this to contact the district offices on the toll-free number 0800 000 789.
From October 15 until November 30 parents and guardians can expect to receive SMSs on the outcome of their applications for Grade 1 and 8 learners. According to the department, they will then have to log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za using their credentials to accept an offer within seven days.
They added, “However, parents and guardians must also note that in the event an SMS states that your child or children are placed at a certain school, this will be regarded as a successful placement to the mentioned school only. There will be no need for a parent/guardian to access the system to accept an offer in that regard.”
Furthermore, not all parents/guardians will receive an SMS on the first day of the placements period, but can receive one at any point during the placement period. Parents/guardians can also use their credentials and log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za and check whether they have received an offer or not. Alternatively, parents and guardians can interact with the call centre on 0800 000 789 for assistance.
The department has appealed to parents to be patient during this time and committed themselves to ensure that alternative space will be appropriately provided for all applicants at schools that have adequate capacity.
