Gauteng Education Department announces critical 2026 admission process for Grade 1 and Grade 8
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has announced online admission dates for the 2026 academic year.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially announced its admission process for the 2026 academic year, with reports that the process will run until 29 August
Online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 will open on July 24.
On Thursday, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said while the focus of this year's admission process is on early primary education, he clarified that Grade R is not included at this stage.
'We are not starting with Grade R for now because we have not really, fully implemented BELA (Basic Education Laws Amendment), and not all schools have Grade R classes. Some schools collaborate with nearby Early Childhood Development centres,' Chiloane explained.
He said this decision underscores the department's commitment to ensuring that foundational education is available and universally accessible before expanding the admission process to include younger learners.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
Over the years, the province's online admissions system has faced many challenges, with parents decrying delays, technical glitches, limited school options, and difficulties for parents with poor internet access or limited digital literacy, as some of the most experienced challenges.
On the issue of Grade R, the MEC indicated that parents of Grade R pupils must still apply for Grade 1, even if the child is continuing at the same school, and warned that no late applications will be accepted.
'We prioritise those who apply on time. Late applications, when we deal with them later on in the year, we would have forfeited a single right to identify a certain school that you would have wanted for your child. Even if that school is in your home feeder schools, you will still not get in if it's full, if you have not applied in time,' he added.
As a precaution, Chiloane urged parents to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to improve their chances of placement, adding that applying for one school does not improve the child's chances of acceptance.
He further warned parents not to fall for scams that demand payment for assistance with the application process.
'There's no one who will guarantee you a space if you give them money. Those people you must bring them to me because we don't charge, it's free, it's a right.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Anti-migrant politics escalate as ActionSA seeks to change Constitution
Analysts say political parties hoping to score points with anti-migrant sentiment ahead of 2026 local elections are going to be disappointed. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers As the 2026 local elections draw nearer, political analysts expect a rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric - but caution that parties banking on such sentiment may face disappointment. This follows ActionSA's submission of a series of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at tightening provisions the party says have been exploited, contributing to South Africa's immigration crisis. The party claims that existing constitutional clauses have enabled abuse of limited public resources, particularly in housing, healthcare and education. ActionSA's parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, said the proposals were intended to guide Parliament's Joint Constitutional Review Committee, while still upholding the Constitution's core principles. 'Our proposed amendments recognise the noble aims of the Constitution as a living document,' said Trollip. 'But we must also prioritise protecting the rights of genuine residents and close off interpretations that inadvertently enable abuse.' A key focus is amending the Preamble of the Constitution. Trollip argued that the phrase 'South Africa belongs to all who live in it' has been misinterpreted to extend protections to undocumented migrants. 'This misreading has placed undue pressure on public resources and compromised the government's responsibility to prioritise the needs of South Africans,' he said. 'A careful revision is needed to reaffirm the original intent without undermining the inclusive spirit of the Constitution.' ActionSA also wants to amend Section 26 of the Bill of Rights to limit the state's obligation to provide Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) to South African citizens and those lawfully present in the country. 'The current universal application of Section 26 has led to unintended consequences,' Trollip said. 'Municipalities are forced to divert scarce housing and emergency accommodation resources to individuals who are not lawfully present.' Similar revisions are being proposed for Section 27 (healthcare) and Section 29 (education), citing strained public services. Trollip noted that clinics in Johannesburg have reported over 70% of patient files belonging to foreign nationals, and schools face court-ordered enrollments that strain limited capacity. Meanwhile, political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela from the University of KwaZulu-Natal told IOL News that while the proposals reflect real public concerns, they are unlikely to shift electoral dynamics significantly. 'South African politics often revolves around personalities and party loyalty, not policy,' Ntombela said. 'This move by ActionSA may be warranted, but it's unlikely to sway voters dramatically. Local government elections will likely mirror previous general election outcomes.' He added that although the proposals might raise concerns among NGOs, they are unlikely to provoke a hostile international reaction since no evictions or forced removals are being proposed. However, Ntombela acknowledged that the amendments could exacerbate existing social tensions. 'Of course, they will deepen political and social divides, but they're not likely to spark xenophobic violence if handled constitutionally by the government,' he said. He pointed to a wave of public protests and political scrutiny, such as KZN Premier Thami Ntuli's recent factory visits targeting illegal employment of immigrants, as signs of mounting public pressure. 'This is a national imperative that should be handled with care and humility,' Ntombela said. 'Any party thinking this will automatically win them votes is doing it for the wrong reasons.'
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Professor Anil Sooklal honoured with a Sivananda Peace Award for his efforts to develop South Africa
THE Sivananda World Peace Foundation honoured Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, with the Sivananda Peace Award in recognition of his contributions to development within South Africa. Image: File In a heartfelt ceremony held in Inanda on Sunday, the Sivananda World Peace Foundation bestowed the prestigious Sivananda Peace Award on Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India. This recognition comes as a tribute to his significant contributions to development within the country, particularly as International Yoga Day approaches on June 21. Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman honoured South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, with the Sivananda Peace Award on Sunday. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ President of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, Ishwar Ramlutchman, expressed deep admiration for Sooklal's quiet yet impactful work, stating, 'We know he has been doing great and silent work in the country for decades.' Reflecting on their first encounter in 2009 during a presidential delegation to India, Ramlutchman praised Sooklal's ability to forge productive partnerships, particularly with his Indian counterparts. 'That silent work that you've been continuously doing on behalf of our country, we say a big thank you,' Ramlutchman added. The Sivananda Peace Award has previously been granted to notable figures including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr Nelson Mandela, and the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. In a gesture filled with honour, Ramlutchman stated, 'Today, we feel honoured to present it to you.' He highlighted the importance of recognising such individuals while they are still living, urging them to continue their contributions to the nation. In his acceptance speech, a humble Sooklal attributed the accolade not to himself, but to the collaborative work of his government role over the last 30 years. 'I'm extremely grateful that I'm being acknowledged for the work I do,' he said, emphasising that his position is not just a title, but a trust bestowed by the government to promote South Africa's interests abroad. As an ambassador for South Africa in India, Sooklal spoke passionately about his responsibilities to foster beneficial relationships that can lead to investments and job opportunities for South Africans. Currently, approximately 150 Indian companies operate in South Africa, with Vedanta Mining leading the charge by employing around 6,500 people in the Northern Cape. 'This is what we are constantly doing at the High Commission,' Sooklal explained, focused on drawing further Indian investments into South Africa's economy while simultaneously promoting skills development.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Professor Anil Sooklal receives peace award for contribution to South Africa
Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman honoured South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, with the Sivananda Peace Award on Sunday. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers The Sivananda World Peace Foundation honoured Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, with the Sivananda Peace Award in recognition of his contributions to development within South Africa. Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman made the gesture during a yoga event held by the foundation in Inanda on Sunday, ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21. Ramlutchman told Sooklal they wanted to pay special tribute to him because they know he has been doing great and silent work in the country for decades. 'I recall in 2009 when I accompanied the President to India on the President's delegation. We'd seen you, how you interact with your counterparts, Professor Sharma in India, forging partnerships,' Ramlutchman said. 'That silent work that you've been continuously doing on behalf of our country, we say a big thank you.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He said that due to his commitment and quiet demeanour, Sooklal's contributions may be unfamiliar to many. 'Today, we want to bestow this Sivananda Peace Award to our Professor Anil Sooklal,' Ramlutchman said. 'The Sivananda Peace Award was also given to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in India, our Dr Nelson Mandela, our mother of the nation, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini, uMntwana wakwaPhindangene Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and today, we feel honoured to present it to you. 'On behalf of the entire community of South Africa, we say a big thank you and keep going. And the Sivananda World Peace Foundation will always be proud of you.' Speaking on the sidelines, Ramlutchman described Sooklal as a silent worker and networker, and he was struck by his commitment towards building South Africa through development. He said the Sivananda World Peace Foundation always acknowledged stalwarts like Sooklal, because they have stood out in the community. Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, and KwaZulu-Natal International Business Association President Omi Singh are pictured with the Sivananda Peace Award. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers 'It is apt that while they are living that we honour them and we say thank you to them for their contribution, and we urge them to continue. Ultimately, whatever these names I mentioned, they've contributed towards the success of our nation,' Ramlutchman said. A humbled Sooklal said the award was not about him. Sooklal said he has been in government for over 30 years, working in the Department of International Relations and had the privilege of representing South Africa internationally. He said the government gave him the opportunity and privilege to work with the international community for South Africa's benefit. 'I'm extremely grateful that I'm being acknowledged for the work I do. I'm the fortunate one to be given this opportunity to go out into the world and to promote South Africa and to strengthen our relations with countries of the world for the benefit of our people,' Sooklal said. 'Being an ambassador of South Africa and India is a privilege for me, and that comes with great responsibility. It's not about me. It's about the trust the government has placed in me to ensure that I bring benefits through this placement in New Delhi, to the people of South Africa. Bringing in more investments, getting greater job opportunities and skills development.' Sooklal said about 150 Indian companies were in South Africa, the largest being Vedanta, mining in the Northern Cape and employing about 6,500 people. 'This is what we are constantly doing at the High Commission. To get more and more Indian investments into our economy, to create jobs and also to help build skills,' Sooklal said. He said India has a program offering skills development to South Africans. They developed a skills centre in Tshwane and are building one in KwaZulu-Natal. They are providing the expertise and providing opportunities to skill South Africans.
