The department said parents can start going to their closest schools to where they reside or work to collect the application forms.
These forms should then be taken back to the schools between April 21 and May 26.
Department spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said: “The demand for space in public schools is increasing annually.
“This year alone had almost 30 000 late applications which is double the number usually received during this period.
“It is therefore critical for parents to register their children during this time, to avoid the challenges of late registrations in January.”
When going to the schools to apply for space, parents will need to provide the school with a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, proof of the parent’s residential or work address, immunisation card of the child for Grade One, latest report card, parents certified copy of identity document, study permit for legal immigrants and if not a biological parent proof of legal guardianship.
Sekhonyane said the application process will include collecting forms at the nearest schools from April 13 and submitting the completed forms with supporting documents back to the school between April 21 and May 26.
Upon submission of completed application forms, parents must ensure that the school provides them with written proof with the date and time of submission and then parents will receive an automated Waiting List number on their cell phone/e-mail or in person from the school, once the forms are captured on the system.
