Provinces such as the Northern Cape in the central part of South Africa are already in their second week of online admissions and so far 17 649 applications have been successfully captured by the department across different schools in the province. The provincial department spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, says despite the success in the number of registrations, they have picked up that some parents have been hampered by the connectivity issues. He says this is because the province is rural and this means that certain areas or towns are experiencing challenges in terms of internet connectivity.
 
“In total, 154 walk-in centres have been identified by the department of education to mitigate effects hampering parents trying to make use of the department’s online application system. As a result, parents or legal guardians without [electronic] devices or connectivity will be assisted to complete the applications for pupils,” he adds. 

Van der Merwe says the department will act swiftly if any hiccups are experienced.  He says most successful applications were recorded in the Francis Baard District which includes Kimberley, accounting for 51,9% of the applications. The Namaqualand District, which includes Springbok, accounts for the least number of successful applications with 3.5% in the entire province. “Grade 8 accounts for 34%, grade Rs for 31% and grade 1 pupils for 14%,” he further adds. Previously the department said 158 schools in the province had been hit by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

 
 OFM News

OFM News