Over 300k grade 1, 8 online applications processed - GDE

Over 300k grade 1, 8 online applications processed - GDE

The Gauteng Education Department says 300 907 Grade 1 and 8 online admission applications have been successfully processed by Monday.

2024 Online applications
Masechaba Sefularo

Last Thursday, MEC Matome Chiloane officially launched the platform in Winterveldt, north of Pretoria.

“As of noon on Monday, 19 June 2023, the GDE Online Admissions System recorded a total of 131 294 applications made for Grade 1 and 169 613 applications made for Grade 8. This brings the grand total of applications made to 300 907,” said departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona.

The 2024 application period for Grades 1 and 8 will close at midnight on 14 July.  

Mabona has urged parents to enter the correct details when using the platform to apply for space in the province’s public schools.

This comes after the spokesperson was tagged on social media by frustrated parents who shared screenshots of error messages while trying to apply.

“Applicants must provide ONE reliable and correct cellphone number when registering to receive important SMS notifications and updates regarding their application.

“It is important to note that each step of the application process will be confirmed via SMS for security and verification purposes. As such, parents must always make sure they enter the correct cellphone number when registering to apply,” Mabona added.

Parents are reminded to upload the following documents within seven days of completing the application:

1. Parent and Child ID or Passport

2. Refugee Permit

3. Asylum Seeker Permit

4. Permanent Residence Permit

5. Study Permit

6. Your South African Birth Certificate

7. Proof of Home Address

8. Proof of Work Address

9. Latest Grade 7 School Report (Grade 8 applicants only)

10. Clinic Card/Immunisation Report (Grade 1 applicants only)

Parents can also physically submit the documents to the schools they have applied to.

“Proof of home address is the most important document when submitting an application. Placement is confirmed on whether the school could verify the details of the proof of home address, which should have the information that correlates with the details entered into the system.

“We plead with applicants to refrain from submitting fraudulent documents as schools have systems to verify such.”

Mabona warned that failure to submit proof of residence, or the submission of falsified proof of residence and proof of work address, will result in the applicant forfeiting the right to preferential placement at a school.

Parents or guardians experiencing trouble with their applications have been encouraged to visit one of the 80 decentralised walk-in centres across the province. Additional information is available on the department’s website. Alternatively, a toll-free call centre (0800 000 789) and Whatsapp (060 891 0361) line are also available.

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