Lerato Mailoane
The 2021 applications for Grade 1 and 8 learners in Gauteng commenced this morning.
Applications opened at 8am and close on 25 July 2020 at midnight.
 "I urge all parents and guardians to use the online registration process and apply during the specified application period. No late applications will be accommodated," said MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi.
Parents of all learners that are currently in Grade R and/or Grade 7 must apply for admission of their children to Grade 1 or Grade 8 for the 2021 academic year  despite the learners being existing students at their schools of choice.
Parents can apply by logging on to the Gauteng Department of Education's Admissions Online Application platform at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.
MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi said by 8am this morning 18 000 people had already logged on to the site.
 "To ensure access to applicants who are unable to apply from the comfort of their homes and/or offices, the department has identified 34 decentralised walk-in centres in different areas where applicants will be safely assisted to make applications.
"In addition, all District Offices and Head Office will serve as walk-in centres. A detailed list of decentralised walk-in centres with addresses and contact numbers are available on the department's website and local media," the department said.
All decentralised walk-in centres have been deep cleaned and sanitised. The centres will observe COVID-19 protocols aimed at preventing the spread of the Coronavirus.
"All required documents must be submitted within seven days of making the application. This year, the department is introducing online uploading of documents through the Admissions Online Application System.
"Parents will therefore have a choice to either upload the documents online to one school, which means that other schools will manage to access those documents in the system. Alternatively, parents may submit hard copies of documents to all schools applied to," the department said.
Parents can upload documents using any computer device, including smart phones.
He further urged parents to apply at their leisure and refrain from rushing to schools or walk-in centres when the system opens.
All schools will, as a safety precaution, make provisions for parents to drop documents off at an identified area at the school gate, away from classrooms and office space.
The 2018 Admissions Regulations and the Feeder Zone Regulations state that priority will be given to applicants who live in the school's feeder zone, and closest to the school.