Parents who plan to enroll their children for the 2026 school year – particularly the transition from Grade R to Grade 1 – must adhere to a strict documentation policy. The announcement was made by Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, who reminded the province of the looming online admission deadline.
Online applications close on Tuesday, 9 September. The online system is specifically for grades 1 and 8.
GAUTENG MEC SAYS PARENTS MUST PRODUCE PROOF OF ADDRESS
Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, 22 August, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane advised parents of learners to submit proof of their address as part of their application process for the 2026 school year.
Without it, enrollments will not be facilitated.
“Proof of home address is a very important document because it informs the placement in the feeder zone.
Chiloane stated that municipal documents should be in the name of the parents or guardian, not older than three months, and should state the full residential address.
For those who rent their homes, the provincial education department required municipal accounts in the name of the property landlord, as well as signed lease agreements, rental payment receipts, as well a utility bill displaying the full residential address.
Parents of learners who resided on family properties should provide the above, in addition to a certified copy of the owner’s ID documents.
Chiloane stated: “It’s mandatory”.
He added, “We don’t take an offer to purchase, and we don’t take affidavits as proof of home address.”
Chiloane also urged parents not to submit fraudulent documents, stating that schools were mandated to verify the information.
WHY SCHOOL PLACEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED
Meanwhile, parents of learners transitioning from Grade R to Grade 1 have been instructed to “reapply and comply” to ensure placement at their preferred schools.
Chilome stated, “Grade R is a different matter. You apply to the school. In Grade 1, you have to go into the system.”
Images via Canva.
The Gauteng Department of Education added that placement in schools will not be on a first-come, first-serve basis, but on the following criteria:
- A home address within the school feeder zone,
- A sibling at the school or a previous school,
- Parents’ work address within the school feeder zone,
- A home address within 30km.
DO YOU BELIEVE THE GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S POLICIES ARE NECESSARY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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