In South Africa, the right to education is enshrined in law, compelling all children between the ages of 7 and 15 to attend school. As responsible citizens, parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring their children are registered for school and attend regularly.
Registration for the following academic year should be completed well in advance, typically between April and October of the preceding year. It’s imperative to adhere to registration deadlines set by individual provinces.
According to the Admission Policy for Ordinary Public Schools, learners must meet specific age criteria:
- Grade R: Age four turning five by 30 June in the year of admission.
- Grade 1: Age five turning six by 30 June in the year of admission.
Public schools are mandated to provide their admission policies to parents or guardians, explaining the procedures without any admission tests being administered.
When applying for admission, certain documents are required, including:
- Birth certificate (baptismal certificates are not accepted as proof of birth date).
- Immunisation card.
- Transfer card or last school report card for learners with prior schooling experience.
Non-South African citizens must provide additional documentation such as a study permit, temporary or permanent residence permit from the Department of Home Affairs, or evidence of application for permission to stay in South Africa.
Parents have the freedom to choose between public and independent schools. Public schools are state-controlled, while independent schools are privately governed and must be registered with the Provincial Education Department. Before registering or making any payments, it’s advisable to verify if the chosen school is registered with the Provincial Education Department.
For further assistance and inquiries, Provincial Learner Admissions Coordinators are available:
- Eastern Cape: Mr Mbuyiseli Sandi
- Tel: 060 530 0672
- Email: az.vog.eodce@idnas.ilesiyubm
- Free State: Mr Thloriso Motholo
- Tel: 0514474038 / Cell: 079 503 5955
- Email: moc.liamg@olohtoMosirolhT / az.vog.sf.ude@gmdi
- Gauteng: Ms Sybil Paddy
- Tel: 011 355 0656 / Cell: 083 646 4150
- Email: az.vog.gnetuag@yddap.libys
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mr Nhlanhla Mthethwa
- Cell: 082 514 9187
- Email: az.vog.eodnzk@awhtehtM.alhnalhN
- Limpopo: Mr M R Rasethaba
- Tel: (015) 290 9420 / Cell: 082 881 7439
- Email: moc.liamg@abahtesaralawram
- Mpumalanga: Mr Ephraim Malope
- Tel: 013 766 5866 / Cell: 082 677 4520
- Email: moc.liamg@epolam321
- Northern Cape: Ms Zeenat Hopley
- Tel: (053) 874 7718 / Cell: 071 389 7694
- Email: moc.liamg@raffot.taneez
- North West: Dr Charity Mojafi
- Tel: 018 397 3097 / Cell: 082 742 1253
- Email: moc.liamg@cmifajom
- Western Cape: Mr Lance Abrahams
- Tel: 021 467 2171 / Cell: 082 654 2131
- Email: az.vog.epacnretsew@smaharbA.ecnaL
These coordinators provide guidance and support throughout the admissions process, ensuring every child has access to quality education in South Africa.
