Gauteng education department postpones online applications

The Gauteng department of education has postponed the opening of their online admissions applications, Rekord East reports.

Applications are now postponed from 13 May to 20 May. They would close on 22 July.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said in a statement that this followed after concerns were raised in the past few days by several stakeholders.

“The request was to delay the opening of Grade 1 and Grade 8 School admissions for the 2020 academic year,” he said.

“These stakeholders pleaded with the MEC to delay the opening of the online admissions application because the department is implementing the newly amended admissions regulations and feeder zones for the first time.”

He said they believed that it was necessary to create awareness on the changes in legislation and admissions processes for the public’s benefit.

Mabona said there were concerns parents needed a better understanding of how the new admissions platform worked with the feeder zones and regulations.

“The department will have a tutorial and step-by-step user guide to clarify how the system functions and acquaint parents with the 2020 admissions process,” he said.

“This will include the amendments to the admissions regulations and the incorporation of the feeder zones.”

Mabona said parents were reminded that schools and identified community centres will serve as walk-in centres to apply online for admission to Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2020 academic year.

“We sincerely apologise to the public for the inconvenience caused by the postponement,” Gauteng department of education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said.