By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is opening late applications for grade 1 and 8 children on Monday, 18th December, for the 2024 academic year.
The department says applications are set to close on the 31st of January 2024.
Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Education, Matome Chiloane, says the department received 306 000 applications for the 2024 academic year.
To date, 273 186 pupils with complete applications have been placed in schools.
As for the late applications, he warned parents that the choice of school is limited and once a school is filled to capacity, the application will be automatically removed.
“Parents are advised to select one school. The learner will be auto-placed at the selected school. Placement at the selected school is final,” Chiloane said.
The department spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said only schools that had space would be available on the website for late applicants.
Mabona said parents would only be able use the website until schools reopened in January.
“Unfortunately, district offices will not be in a position to assist parents because they are on leave.”
Thirty-two thousand pupils are also expected to be placed in schools after they submitted incomplete applications.
Parents are encouraged to apply by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za and registering to proceed with the application process.
Applicants who require assistance with applying or have any application-related enquiries can contact the call centre at 0800 000 789 or on WhatsApp at 060 891 0361.