Over 40 000 Netizens were already waiting in the lobby when the Gauteng Education Department opened its online applications portal for the 2026 academic year for Grade 1 and Grade 8.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane officially launched the platform just after 8 o’clock this morning. Chiloane was at one of the 81 walk-in centres in the province dedicated to assisting parents who aren’t able to submit the applications digitally. He reiterated that no extensions will be granted after the end of August this year.
Anxious parents were already waiting in the lobby hours before the official opening of the online application process for the 2026 academic year.
Some gathered at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa, which is one of the 81 designated walk-in centres, where they can be assisted by officials.
The parents expressed a sigh of relief after being assisted by the Gauteng Education MEC.
The department often grapples with an influx of learners from several South African provinces and other African countries. This leads to some learners being unable to find a placement at schools at the start of the academic year.
Over 325 000 students had applied on time when the department extended its application period in December last year. The department says it has made provisions and is prepared for any eventuality.
The online application period will run until the end of August, and no extension will be granted, according to the MEC.
Video: Launch of 2026 school applications today
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