The Gauteng Department of Education said placement of pupils for the 2017 academic year is on track.
MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, gave an update on the online applications for next year which is mainly targeting Grade 1 and 8 pupils. “Despite initial teething problems, the system has worked well and has met several of the expectations.”
He mentioned that the department is currently in the process of placing pupils, and anticipates to conclude this by 7 September.
Lesufi highlighted that only 44 percent of all applications for Grade 1 and 8 have been placed, while 73 347 applications are still pending confirmation by parents.
The MEC did not shy away from acknowledging that the placement of pupils is moving at a slower pace than anticipated, but said the reason is partly due to parents not confirming offers. “Parents are urged to confirm acceptance or reject offers of placement, either on the admissions online application or by visiting schools where assistance will be provided. Failure to respond will result in parents forfeiting their offers of placement [which] causes further placement delays,” Lesufi highlighted.
He mentioned that the problem confronting the department is that there will be a rush in January and some schools may be underutilised.
Parents who still have problems with placement outcomes may object to the district directors by completing an objection form (Annexure D). The objection form, which is obtainable from the school or the district office, must be submitted to the relevant district office for processing.
Parents who have not yet made applications for admission for the 2017 intake are encouraged to apply online or to go to the relevant district where assistance will be provided. Late applications will be placed by 16 November.
Lesufi said there will be no admissions processed in January next year. The department will provide parents with unplaced pupils an opportunity to resolve queries in the four regions (Tshwane, Sediwest, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg) at the regional admissions open days between October and November.
