The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is pleased with the results of the first day of online admissions for Grade 1 and 8.
According to Steve Mabona, GDE spokesperson, “By 3.15pm, the department had received 144 124 successful applications. The system is efficient in handling a large volume of applications. Within the first 10 minutes, we had received over 10 000 successful applications.”
He said they have identified a few challenges, namely:
• Parents entering home and work addresses incorrectly
• Delays with sending Waiting List numbers
• Web Operating Systems
“With regard to the addresses, we appeal to parents to first select their municipality, then select the town (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Randburg etc), and thereafter, the township or suburb in which they live. When you follow this procedure, you should not have a problem finding your street address.
“We urge parents to make use of Google Chrome, as our site is linked to Google Maps, which makes it easier with regard to the addresses. Google Chrome is faster and most compatible with the online application system. We are experiencing delays with regard to the waiting list numbers; however, our partner, Vodacom, is assisting in this regard.”
MEC Panyaza Lesufi added, “The online application system is the future. It provides for a fair and equitable opportunity for parents to apply at public schools. We are very humbled by the support and response from parents.”
The GDE highlighted that applications for Grade 1 and 8 commenced on 16 April and will close at midnight, 28 May 2018.
Parents can visit https://www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to apply.
Steve continued, “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. The Department will operate 57 admission centres across the 15 education districts.”
Alternatively, parents can contact the Department’s Call Centre on 011 355 0000, the toll-free number 0800 000 789 or by emailing Gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.
Steve added, “Parents of Grade R learners must apply online for Grade 1. For all other Grades (Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 11) parents should apply at the school.
We appeal to parents to apply online and apply on time. Once more, we are humbled by the overwhelming positive response from parents and promise to do everything possible to make the experience problem-free.”
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