Gauteng parents urged to apply early at schools

Students attending school.

Gauteng Education Spokesperson Steve Mabona is urging parents to apply for admission as early as possible so they can secure schools that are close to their homes.

Mabona was speaking at Edenglen Primary School in Johannesburg.

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane will today provide a comprehensive update on the 2026 Online Admissions application.

Mabona further urged parents to upload documents after applying so their applications can be considered.

He added that the department’s target for placements is 400 000 and that they are close to achieving that.

Mabona adds, “Other people will wait for the last minute. They will come to our offices on the last day; some will be in the system. You will see on the last day because we will be putting the messages saying we are closing and we have been saying that we are counting down. So, there will be an expectation for parents that will come on the last day. The challenge is also the documents; you need to make sure that after applying you submit or upload documents.”

[WATCH]
The 2026 online admissions application period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 will close on Friday, 29 August 2025. SABC News reporter Calvin Dludla speaks to Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona. pic.twitter.com/j4HsYcPKOG

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 22, 2025