As the 2026 academic year approaches, many parents and guardians in Gauteng are gearing up for the crucial task of enrolling their children for Grade 1 and Grade 8. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has made this process easier by offering decentralised Walk-In Centres for GDE Admissions. These centres play a vital role in ensuring that everyone, especially those with limited access to the internet or who prefer in-person assistance, can successfully complete their school applications. In this article, we will guide you through the locations of these centres, the application process, and key deadlines.

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What Are Walk-In Centres for GDE Admissions?

Walk-In Centres for GDE Admissions are physical locations set up by the Gauteng Department of Education to assist parents and guardians in submitting school applications for their children. These centres are especially beneficial for those who don’t have internet access, who may not be comfortable with online systems, or for those who simply prefer face-to-face assistance.

These centres are spread across various regions in Gauteng, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Sedibeng, making them accessible to families in both urban and rural areas. They are part of the GDE’s effort to ensure an inclusive and accessible school admission process.

For more details on the upcoming admissions process, check out our article on Gauteng 2026 Online School Admissions for Grades 1 and 8 Open This Week.

Key Regions and Centres for Walk-In Applications

The 2026 school year will see an extensive network of walk-in centres across Gauteng. Whether you’re in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, or Sedibeng, there’s a walk-in centre nearby where you can get the help you need.

Ekurhuleni Region

Ekurhuleni, which includes areas like Kempton Park, Tembisa, and Benoni, has several centres where you can apply for GDE admissions in person:

Birchleigh, Kempton Park – Contact: V. Petlo – 082 562 8053
Tembisa – Contact: M. Moyo – 065 487 2653
Watville, Benoni – Contact: T. Motepe – 064 930 1098
Munpen Building, Benoni – Contact: K. Mhlanga – 011 746 8082

Johannesburg Region

Johannesburg offers numerous walk-in centres spread across the city. Some of the key centres include:

Johannesburg Central District Office – Contact: R. Ramdath – 064 929 9033
Morningside Teacher Centre, Sandton – Contact: L. Dube – 084 931 5871
Waverley Girls High School, Norwood – Contact: S. Van Kraal – 084 599 9407
Eastgate Primary School, Kensington – Contact: T. Nkhathe – 082 602 7588

Tshwane Region

Tshwane, covering areas like Pretoria and Soshanguve, also has a number of centres:

Gauteng North District Office, Pretoria – Contact: G.M.Z. Kosi – 082 562 7497
Temba Resource Centre – Contact: M. Makhubele – 082 562 5371
Mamelodi Teachers Centre – Contact: M. Mbatho – 082 562 9294

Sedibeng Region

For those in the southern part of Gauteng, Sedibeng provides access to walk-in centres at:

Magaliesburg Secondary School – Contact: N. Nthsangase – 082 562 6066
Bojateng Secondary School – Contact: M. Koma – 064 562 2750
Sebokeng West, Sebokeng – Contact: M. Mokhena – 079 391 7245

How to Apply for GDE Admissions

While online applications are encouraged, these walk-in centres provide an essential service for those who need additional assistance. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to applying for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions in Gauteng:

Register Online: Start by visiting the official GDE Admissions Portal to register your child.
Locate a Walk-In Centre: Use the list above to find the nearest walk-in centre to your location.
Prepare Documents: Make sure to bring your child’s birth certificate, proof of residence, and other essential documents.
Submit Application: Visit your chosen walk-in centre and submit the necessary documents.

To ensure a smooth application process, find out more about the necessary paperwork in our article on Gauteng 2026 Grade 1 and 8 Online Admissions: The Documents Required to Complete the Application.

Important Documents for GDE Admissions

When applying for GDE admissions, you will need to provide a few important documents to complete your application. These documents include:

Certified copy of the parent/guardian’s ID
Child’s birth certificate or passport
Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or lease agreement)
Proof of work address (if applicable)
Latest school report for Grade 8 applicants

Opening Dates for Walk-In Centres

The GDE’s 2026 online admissions system will open on 1 August 2025. Walk-in centres will also begin operations on this date, so be sure to visit one as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute delays. The deadline for applications is 29 August 2025.

Benefits of Using Walk-In Centres for GDE Admissions

For many families, using walk-in centres has distinct advantages:

Personalised Assistance: Get step-by-step help with your application process.
Access for All: Walk-in centres cater to those who may not have reliable internet access.
Avoid Errors: With in-person support, you reduce the risk of mistakes in your child’s application.

Avoiding Scams During the Admissions Process

The GDE has repeatedly warned against scams during the admissions period. It is crucial to remember that no fees are charged for applications or assistance at the walk-in centres. Be wary of businesses or individuals who offer “guaranteed placements” or charge for help with your application.

Contact Information for Assistance

If you need any help during the admissions process, you can contact the GDE directly:

Call Centre: 0800 000 789
WhatsApp: 060 891 0361
Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za

For further details, visit the official GDE Admissions Portal.

For a detailed guide on preparing for the upcoming exams, check out our article on 2025 Matric Exams: Full Timetable, Subject Breakdown & Expert Preparation Tips.

The Walk-In Centres for GDE Admissions are an invaluable resource for parents navigating the school admission process for the 2026 academic year. With a network of centres spread across key regions in Gauteng, the GDE is committed to providing all parents with the support they need to secure a spot for their child at a school of their choice.

Make sure to act early and prepare all required documents to avoid last-minute stress. Whether you choose to apply online or visit a walk-in centre, the process is designed to be as smooth as possible.