Although there were some hiccups in the online registration process for grades one and eight learners yesterday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) processed more than 90 000 applications via its new and improved admission Web site.
Yesterday, the GDE launched the site to register learners in grades one and eight for the 2018 academic year, with Gauteng premier David Makhura and MEC Panyaza Lesufi on hand to assist parents at one of the admission centres in Orange Farm in Johannesburg.
The department says issues with the site ? which it says were resolved swiftly ? included parents being told their details already exist, parents receiving error messages while applying, as well as parents receiving SMSes without the reference number.
An ITWeb reader also experienced problems with the sibling option on the site, and points out it proves impossible for anyone to use it. The reader notes that when trying to do a sibling application, the system blocks that process as it doesn't allow two applications for the same school.
Despite these issues, the GDE says it is pleased with the success of the online application system and is humbled by the overwhelming response from the people of Gauteng.
"The feedback so far from the parents that have either used the system or go to an admission centre to apply online has generally been positive.
"Within 20 minutes of opening, over 16 000 parents had successfully applied online. At lunch time, 90 984 total applications were processed through the system."
The GDE has urged all parents with no Internet access to visit the 65 admission centres across the province. "The centres opened promptly today at 8am. Parents also have the option of visiting community libraries and Thusong centres in Gauteng."
The closing date for online applications is 12 June at midnight. The placement of learners will start from 24 July.
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