The application process for grade one and eight pupils in Gauteng ran successfully and the department is ready to issue approvals.
This was announced by the MEC for education in Gauteng Matome Chiloane during a media briefing held at Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria on Sunday.
According to Chiloane, the department received 757 075 applications for both grades.
“The 2024 online admissions application period ran successfully, amassing a total of 757 075 grade one and eight applications,” said Chiloane.
“This translates to a total of 324 756 grade one applications and 432 219 grade eight applications.”
He encouraged parents not to panic as the department will start issuing the outcomes and offers for placement from September 4. This will be done until all pupils have been placed.
“Parents and guardians, the placement period will begin on Monday next week. SMSes will be sent from then and throughout the year until all learners are placed.”
Chilaone said this year’s smooth application process was as a result of the department’s preparedness.
“The success can be attributed to system improvements over the years, which is necessitated by continuous stakeholder engagements and technological advancements,” said the MEC.
In January, Sunday World reported that at least 176 grade eight pupils from Tshwane west district were still waiting to be placed at a new satellite school in Pretoria north.
The department ended up taking the pupils to schools where capacity had been increased.
With a capacity to process 50 000 applications a minute, Chiloane was confident when the application process got under way in June that the online system will run smooth.
Chiloane said at the time that the department had been working hard with Microsoft to improve the system.
“It takes just five to 10 minutes to complete the application. We have set up 80 walk-in centres in community halls and libraries [around the province],” he said.
Fresh from having his R63.4-billion budget allocation approved, which included the construction of nine new schools in three years, Chiloane was quoted as saying he was confident the applications, which closed on July 14, would run smoothly.
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