Walk-in centres still unknown with learner registration around the corner

The Gauteng Department of Education still has to disclose the list of 81 decentralised walk-in centres to help parents without internet to register their children for school admission.

There are only a few days left before the online admission applications for grades 1 and 8 in 2026 open on July 24.

This lack of transparency creates unnecessary anxiety for parents who need this information to prepare themselves and know where to go.

The DA has called on the department to publish the complete list of the centres, including operating hours, to ensure that these facilities are in place from the beginning of the application process.

“Parents must have certainty and access to help from the start, not after the system has collapsed due to pressure,” said Sergio Isa Dos Santos, the DA member of the Provincial Legislature.

Last year’s application process was characterised by system errors and confusion, which led to delays for parents seeking placements for their children.

As a result, the DA Gauteng earlier this year appealed to the department to start the process as early as May to break the cycle of chaos.

“The department did not heed our previous warnings, since it once again neglected to provide essential logistical information on time,” Dos Santos explained.

He explained that the DA addressed official questions to the department, wherein the complete list of decentralised walk-in centres and their precise locations was requested.

“Until now, we have not received any reaction from MEC Matome Chiloane. This reflects a disturbing indifference to our children’s educational prospects and the mysterious way in which the government, under the leadership of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, functions,” Dos Santos said.

He urged parents to report any problems they encounter with the system or the walk-in centres.

“We will monitor these issues closely and put together a comprehensive profile to hold the department accountable.”

He added that this year’s situation should not be repeated. More than 6 377 learners still needed to be placed between January 15 and 30.

“This delay caused thousands of learners to miss weeks of learning due to the department’s inefficiency. Yesterday, the MMC announced that the late application process will open in January, which increases the real risk of a repeat, or worse, scenario than last year,” Dos Santos said.

The Solidarity School Support Centre (SOS) also encouraged parents to submit registrations in the correct manner with the necessary supporting documents as soon as possible.

“Parents of prospective grades 1 and 8 learners in Gauteng must register as soon as possible when the registration process for 2026 opens on Thursday, July 24 at 08:00,” said Leon Fourie, CEO of SOS.

He noted that the 2026 application period gives parents just over a month to complete their online registration, with placements on October 16.

Although several placement criteria, such as home address and language of instruction, are taken into account, the legal principle of first in time, first in right, still applies.

“This means that when parents apply early and fully, they have a significantly better chance of being placed at their preferred school,” said Fourie.

Important measures for parents to keep in mind:

– Grade 1 and 8 applications for Gauteng’s public schools for 2026 can only be done online via www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. Keep the waiting list number that will be sent via SMS.

– The SOS recommends that parents only choose one or two preferred schools, instead of between three and five schools. This helps schools to realistically determine their actual demand and capacity.

– All certified documents must be physically handed in at the school of your first choice within seven days of the application. Keep the proof issued by the school safe. This helps the schools manage the applications.

– Proof of home address is the most important document for placement – make sure it corresponds with what you put on the system.

– Take screenshots of every step in the application process and keep them safe in case there are later inquiries or a dispute about the application or placement.

– Use one reliable cellphone number during registration as all communication happens via SMS.

– Learners can only apply to high schools that offer the same languages as those indicated on their Grade 7 report. This means that Grade 8s can only be placed at schools where the language of instruction, home language and additional language match with those that were taken in primary school.

Make sure you have the following essential documents at hand:

– Proof of home address (municipal account, not older than three months).
– Certified ID of parent/guardian (or appropriate immigration documents).
– Most recent Grade 7 school report (for Grade 8 applicants).
– Certified birth certificate of the learner
– Certified clinic card or immunisation report (for Grade 1 applicants).

“Parents must not hesitate to get help from their preferred school regarding the registration process. Assigned administrators have been appointed at schools to help parents and guardians, and can even handle the online registration on their behalf, if they have the complete documentation needed for the prospective learner,” said Carien Bloem, AfriForum’s head of education projects.

“The Solidarity Movement’s institutions are happy to assist schools in this regard. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of early and full applications,” Fourie concluded.

“It is of crucial importance that parents complete the full online process on time and submit all documents physically at their chosen schools.”

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