Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona is encouraging parents to submit their school admission applications as early as possible to secure placements at schools near their homes.
Focus on Applications for Grade 1 and 8
Mabona addressed the issue at Edenglen Primary School in Johannesburg, urging parents to prioritize Applications for Grade 1 and 8 to ensure that their children are placed in schools within their vicinity.
Today, Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, is set to offer a detailed update on the 2026 Online Admissions process.
Importance of Uploading Documents
After submitting Applications for Grade 1 and 8, Mabona emphasized that parents must upload all required documents to ensure their applications are considered. Without this crucial step, applications will not be processed effectively.
Placement Target and Closing Date
With a placement target of 400,000 students, the department is on track to meet this goal. However, Mabona warned against waiting until the final deadline. “Some parents tend to wait until the last minute, coming to our offices on the final day. We will send out messages about the deadline, so there will be high expectations among those who delay their applications. The key challenge lies in the document submission—parents must ensure they upload all required documents after applying,” he explained.
Countdown to Closing Date: Applications Close Midnight on Friday, 29 August
Parents are urged to complete their Applications for Grade 1 and 8 before the closing date. The online admission portal will close at midnight on Friday, 29 August. With only a few days left, parents should act quickly to secure their child’s spot in a local school.
Also Read: List of Decentralised Walk-In Centres for GDE Admissions: Where to Apply


