Parents across Gauteng, including those in Diepsloot and surrounding areas, are being urged to prepare for the release of school placement offers for Grade 1 and 8 learners starting Wednesday, 16 October 2025.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced that the department will begin sending out SMS offers to parents who applied through the online admissions system for the 2026 academic year.
The announcement has brought a mix of relief and anxiety for many parents who have been waiting since applications closed in August. In areas like Diepsloot, where access to online services and communication can sometimes be limited, community members are advised to double-check their cellphone numbers and ensure they can receive messages from the department.
“Parents will be getting messages on the cellphone number they provided. Please make sure that it’s correct,” Chiloane said. “And don’t panic if you don’t receive your message immediately — every child will be placed.”
The MEC emphasised that parents must accept placement offers within seven days, warning that failure to do so could affect their child’s chances of securing a suitable school.
Community leaders and education activists in Diepsloot have welcomed the update but say more needs to be done to assist parents who struggle with the online system or lack access to data. Local schools and community centres often play a key role in helping parents complete the process.
“Every year we see parents panicking because they don’t know where to go for help,” said a local education volunteer. “We urge them to visit nearby schools or use the education department hotline if they face challenges.”
The Gauteng Department of Education has assured parents that no learner will be left unplaced, promising to work until all children have a school to attend when the new academic year begins in January 2026.