​Thembisa Shologu
Placement for Grades 1 and 8 in Gauteng public schools, for the 2022 academic year, has begun. 
The placement process started on Friday, 15 October and will end on 30 November 2021. 
The Department of Education (GDE) will be sending out SMSes to parents and guardians to the numbers they used to apply continually until the end of the placement period. 
"We request and appeal for patience from parents and guardians during this placement period. We, as the GDE, will ensure that alternative space is appropriately provided for all applicants at schools that have the adequate capacity," said MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
If parents and guardians have not received an SMS, they can log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za and check whether they have received an offer or not.  
In the event a parent or guardian may have forgotten or lost their credentials, they must click on "Forgot Password" on the landing page and follow the prompts to regain access to the system or call 0800 000 789 for assistance.  
The department has identified at least 10 high-pressure schools during the application period with some schools receiving more applications than what they could accommodate. 
Inqayizivele Secondary School has a capacity of 340 and has received 1916 applications with Hoërskool Langenhoven receiving 1477 applications at a 300-capacity school. 
"For an example, it was an excruciating pain to select about 210 learners out of about 1441 qualifying applicants at Parktown Boys High School," said Lesufi. 
Not all applicants would be accommodated at their preferred school.
"The department is committed to assist schools at high-pressure areas to build more classrooms to accommodate more learners for future admissions." 
Parent, Fundiswa Matheza said she was happy that her daughter was placed at their preferred school.
"The application process was stressful at first because the system was not working. I panicked that the school would be full. I am glad that she is accepted at our preferred school at Ekurhuleni Primary School," said Matheza.