Parents have until tomorrow (Wednesday, 15 September) to apply for places in school in the Western Cape for learners entering primary or high school for the first time, or who will be changing schools.

Unfortunately, many parents leave it to the last minute before applying for places for their children, and are disappointed when they find that schools are full.

For this reason, we launched a major communication drive in August and early September to encourage parents who have not already done so to apply for admission before 15 September.

By doing so, parents will also assist us in making sure that we are well prepared for the new year. We want to ensure that every child has a place in school well before the start of 2005.

The communication drive included media reports, advertisements on radio over a two-week period, distributing 150 000 leaflets in selected areas, advertisements in community newspapers and public meetings.

Schools and our district offices are also providing information on enrolment procedures to parents and local community structures. We would like to thank the many parents who have responded to our call so far.

From 15 to 30 September, schools will inform parents whether their applications have been successful, and must provide reason if the application is unsuccessful.

Schools must inform our Education Management and Development Centres (EMDCs) in each district of the number of vacancies they still have by 30 September. They must also list the learners whom they could not accommodate by the deadline of 15 September.

Schools still with tuition space available must again accept applications during the period 1 October to 15 November. They must notify parents within 10 working days whether their applications have been successful.

Where these applications are nor successful, schools must provide the contact details of the nearest EMDC, where staff will work with local community structures on finding places for learners. The onus will be on parents to approach the EMDCs for assistance.

We appeal to parents who have not already done so to apply before the end of tomorrow. We are doing everything possible to ensure that our schools are ready for the new year, and we are depending on our parents to assist us in making this possible.