Gauteng’s Education System in Shambles: Online Admissions System Set to Debacle
As the third school term begins, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has announced its online admissions system will go live, amidst warnings of a catastrophic failure. The system, meant to streamline registration for grades one and eight, has a notorious history of glitches, manipulation by officials, and poor communication.
Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for education, sport, arts, culture, and recreation, has admitted that the system has been plagued by teething problems, including slow processing, lost applications, and incomplete placements. Despite claims that the system is now "smooth and working well," parents remain skeptical.
The online application process is due to close on August 12, leaving parents with a narrow window to register their children. The MEC has urged parents to provide accurate contact information, warning that losing a reliable phone number could result in missed updates and communication.
The GDE has faced criticism for its handling of online admissions, with some schools failing to provide adequate infrastructure to support the process. The system’s flaws have led to frustration and anxiety among parents, who have been left in the dark about the status of their children’s applications.
With the system’s history of mishaps, it remains to be seen whether the GDE has addressed the underlying issues or simply applied a band-aid solution. As the Gauteng education system teeters on the brink of collapse, parents and stakeholders are left wondering if the province is prepared to provide a quality education for its learners.
Will the Online Admissions System Deliver or Disappoint Again?
