Online applications for learners going to Grade 8 in the upcoming academic year are expected to open on August 10. Meanwhile, parents of learners who will be going to Grade 1 can begin applying on September 13.
This is according to MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyanza Lesufi, who revealed that applications for both grades would be opened separately. “It doesn’t make sense to request parents to apply for Grade 1s and Grade 8s at the same time. It just creates unnecessary rush and unnecessary pressure. For the first time, we have staggered the process and we are starting with Grade 8s only.”
Applications will be split into two phases:
• Phase 1 – Applications for learners in Grade 7 who are currently in public primary schools and want to apply for Grade 8
• Phase 2 – Applications for learners in Grade 1 and 8 who are currently not in Grade 7 and not in public schools
“The first phase will open on August 10 and close on September 3. The second phase will commence on September 13 until October 8. Placement for phase one will happen between October 15 and November 30, and phase two between November 15 and November 30.” Lesufi said the department was pleased with the arrangement because it would make things easier as they would be able to respond to calls and queries.
