The Gauteng Department of Education appeals to parents who have received offers of placement to respond immediately.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, about 71 275 parents have not yet responded to offers of placement which may result in these parents forfeiting their spot in the queue.
“In addition, the lack of response is causing serious delays on the system.
“The department has sent SMS notifications to these parents to remind them to respond to the offers of placement,” said Mabona.
He said since the placement period started on July 24, 117 081 learners have been placed, 65 595 in grade one and 51 486 in grade eight.
The placement of learners at schools will close on October 20.
In total, the department received 285 834 applications by the closing date, of which 157 369 is for grade one and 128 465 is for grade eight.
“All schools, district offices and the head office are able to assist parents to accept offers of placement. Parents are assured the districts are currently in the process of placing learners who were not placed by schools.
“The department is working round the clock to finalise placement of unplaced learners by October 20,” he said.
All parents who have not yet submitted the required documents to the relevant school will be advised on a date to submit.
‘The department will determine when to open the online application system for late applications after the placement of applicants who applied on or before June 12 is concluded.
“The decision will be communicated in the media,” said Mabona.
He advised parents who have not received any response to contact the district office.
The department appealed to parents to accept the offers of placement given because if they do not, they stand to lose that space.
“The early processing of admissions means learning and teaching can commence on the first day of the 2018 academic calendar. The co-operation of parents will be highly appreciated,” said MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi.
Parents experiencing challenges can contact the department via:
• the call centre number on 0800 000 789.
• Email gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Parents can also visit their nearest district office for assistance with further queries.
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