Don’t waste time! 2024 school placement period to start Sept 4

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) wishes to announce that the 2024 online admissions placement period for Grade One and Eight will begin next week on Monday, September.

“The placement period will then continue throughout the remainder of the year until all learners are placed,” said department MEC Matome Chiloane in a statement.

He added from September 4, parents and guardians with complete applications will receive SMSs with placement offers to the contact numbers they used when applying (it’s that time for happy SMSs). Parents/ Guardians will then have to log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za using their credentials to accept an offer as final or accept while awaiting other offers within seven days.

“Please avoid playing the waiting game,” urged Chiloane.

He added that SMSs will be sent out continually from September 4 until all learners are placed.

“This means that not all applicants will receive an SMS on the first day of the placement period, but must expect an SMS anytime from 4 September 2023 and throughout the year. If parents and guardians have not received an SMS, there is a need to panic as applicants are welcome to use their credentials to log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to check whether a placement offer was issued or not.”

Chiloane added that in the event an SMS states your child has been placed in Grade One or Grade Eight at a certain school, this will be regarded as a successful placement to the mentioned school.

“There will be no need for a parent/guardian to access the system to accept an offer in that regard because the child would be placed at the mentioned school.”

For the parents and guardians who may have forgotten or lost their credentials, Chiloane said you must click on “Forgot Password” on the landing page and follow the prompts to regain access to the system.

“Alternatively, parents and guardians are welcome to interact with our call centre agents on 0800 000 789 or WhatsApp us on 060 891 0361. Normally, high volumes of calls are received during the Placement period, and all our offices experience a high number of walk-ins from parents/guardians. We plead for patience and understanding as our officials work hard to assist everyone.”

Chiloane concluded, “It is important to note that placement is prioritised for applicants with verifiable home addresses within the school feeder zone and closest to the school and where space is available. When schools reach full capacity, applicants will be offered placement offers from schools with available space.”

Parents/ Guardians may also visit the Gauteng West District office situated at the corner of Boscholl and Human Street in Krugersdorp. The areas covered by Gauteng West include Bank, Bekkersdal, Brandvlei, Doringfontein, Glenharvie, Hekpoort, Krugersdorp, Libanon, Maanhaarrand, Magaliesberg, Mothlakeng, Muldersdrift, Oberholzer, Randfontein, Randfontein South, The Village, Toekomsrus, Venterspos, Western Areas, Westonaria and Azaadville.

In addition, one can send an email to admissions.hotline@gauteng.gov.za or gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.