The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has temporarily called time on its online registration Web site, after it experienced "unforeseen technical challenges" yesterday.
A statement issued by the department notes it has had to suspend the registration process until Wednesday, 13 April.
"The system seems to have crashed after experiencing over 600 applications per second," it says.
"The department is currently attending to these technical challenges to ensure the Web site is up and running by Wednesday."
The statement adds: "The department appeals for patience while it is working on fixing the technical challenges and apologises for any inconvenience caused."
The GDE's online registration site was scheduled to coincide with the school registration process and went live on Monday, but users found it impossible to access it.
During the weekend, the department appealed to parents to use the online service to verify their details and apply for space for grade one and eight learners for the 2017 academic year.
Parents that do not have Internet access can visit help-desks in their districts for assistance, said the GDE.
According to the department, it opted for an online application process because it is convenient, easy to access and enables planning and fair distribution of learners across the Gauteng education system. "Starting the admission process early is crucial to ensure allocation of resources, such as learning and teaching materials, furniture, human resources and infrastructure."
Following last year's more than 30 000 late applications, the department sought to make learner registration tech-savvy, as well as minimise long queues during the registration period, and encouraged parents to make use of the Web site to register children.
The online application process is planned to work in three phases, namely registration and verification, application and then placement.
Parents should be able to register leaner details on the department's Web site. The verification process will require parents to enter the ID or passport number.
The second phase is the process of applying, which will commence on 19 April and close at midnight on 1 June. The application criteria include a school close to residential or work address, a sibling that attends the same school and school of choice.
"An automated SMS will be sent to the parent's cellphone number to confirm the submission of the online application. Once SMS confirmation has been received, it is important to submit all the required documents needed at the schools within two weeks," said the GDE.
The final phase is the placement of learners for the 2017 academic year, from 24 June until 7 September.
The department says the online application process cannot be used to apply for Grade R and schools for learners with special educational needs.
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