School applications postponed
Parents are reminded that schools and identified community centres will serve as walk-in centres to apply online for admission to Grade One or Eight for the 2020 academic year.
Online applications for Grade One and Eight learners in Gauteng have been postponed to May 20.
The original application date was May 13 and closing date July 15.
Applications will now close on July 22.
According to a media statement by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the postponement follows concerns raised in the past few days by the Federation of Associations of Governing Bodies of South African (FEDSAS), Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysunie (SAOU) and other SGB associations.
The request was to delay the opening of Grade One and Eight school admissions for the 2020 academic year.
These stakeholders pleaded with MEC Panyaza Lesufi to delay the opening of online admissions applications because the department is implementing the newly amended admissions regulations and feeder zones for the first time.
Also see: Back to school woes for Gauteng parents
They believe it is necessary to heighten greater awareness on the changes in legislation and the admissions application period will commence on May 20 at 8am and close on July 22 at midnight.
Despite the department having constant consultative platforms involving all the stakeholders regarding the amendments to the admissions regulations and feeder zones regulations, they note that all stakeholders accept the application of feeder zones but there are concerned parents who need a better understanding of how the new admissions platform works with the feeder zones and regulations.
This is to inform the public that the GDE will be available at 8am with a tutorial and step-by-step user guide to clarify how the system functions and acquaint parents with the 2020 admissions process.
Furthermore, the department will use various communication platforms, such as media and direct engagements through localised community contact sessions, to consolidate public understanding of all processes pertaining to admissions.
Parents are reminded that schools and identified community centres will serve as walk-in centres to apply online for admission to Grade One or Eight for the 2020 academic year.
“We sincerely apologise to the public for the inconvenience caused by the postponement,” says Lesufi.
For queries parents are advised to contact the department on 011 355 0000.
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