Technical challenges on admission site
Statement by Brian Schreuder - Head of Education: Western Cape Education Department
Yesterday, the online application process for 2021 school enrolment opened.
Parents have been encouraged to apply online using our application website: https://admissions.westerncape.gov.za
Parents who are unable to register on-line can also apply manually. Schools have been informed that paper-based applications must also be made available.
Unfortunately, since the site opened for new applications at midnight on Monday morning, we have experienced a number of technical challenges.
These technical problems are beyond the WCED’s control – WCG sites are reliant on the infrastructure from the national government’s State Information Technology Agency (SITA) based in Observatory. We are obliged to use that system. Issues such as load shedding affect SITA support at a provincial level. This causes the cut outs and significant time to get back online after the power cuts.
However, the problems are being addressed, and we have already had large numbers of parents registering and submitting applications on the site.
Over 8 400 people registered on the site yesterday.
3 688 completed the application process.
We completely understand that parents who are trying to apply, and are being thrown out of the system, are frustrated. We apologise for this inconvenience. We feel your frustration and are working with all roleplayers that are involved to resolve the problem.
The online application process in the Western Cape is still in its second year of piloting and we are addressing the challenges as they arise.
Parents must not panic.
Parents have 29 days to go until the application process closes. While we do not want parents to wait till the last minute, there is sufficient time for all to successfully complete the process.
Applications are not approved on a ‘first come-first served’ basis.
After the 17th of March, schools will select applications based on the overall batch received up to 17 March 2020.
We appreciate parents’ keen interest and understanding, and wish to assure everyone that we are working to address the issues as soon as possible.
Media Enquiries:
Bronagh Hammond
Director: Communications
Western Cape Education Department
072 7241422 (please whatsapp or sms me if unavailable)
Bronagh.hammond@westerncape.gov.za