Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has warned parents against fraudsters offering school placements in public schools for the 2026 academic year in exchange for money.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department has expressed concern over reports of an individual known as 'Godfrey' who is allegedly soliciting bribes from parents for school placements in Gauteng public schools. The department clarified that no person by the name of 'Godfrey' is employed by the GDE in Tshwane or any district offices to manage placements. They emphasized that the placement process cannot be expedited by any individual, as it is strictly handled through the official GDE Online Admissions System.
The department urged parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals claiming to represent the department. They highlighted that criminals often exploit parents' anxiety during this period.
The GDE provided an update on the placement process, noting that the 2026 Online Admissions Placement Period began on 16 October 2025, with placement offers being sent out to parents and guardians via SMS and through the Online Admissions System. The department assured that every applicant with a complete application will receive a placement offer, and there are no technical delays. Parents are advised to be patient while their applications are processed and to accept any offers received as final.
The placement criteria are determined by several factors, including home address within the school's feeder zone, sibling or previous school attendance, and work address within the school's feeder zone. Placement is subject to school capacity and space availability. In cases where applicants cannot be accommodated at any applied schools due to capacity constraints, transfer offers to the next closest school with available space will be made.
The GDE also outlined the process for lodging objections and appeals to ensure fairness and transparency. Parents can submit objections within seven days of receiving a placement offer and may appeal if dissatisfied with the objection outcome. However, no objection or appeal can be lodged when a placement offer is made at one of the originally applied schools.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane reiterated that parents should not engage with individuals claiming to offer placement assistance for money. Official communication regarding placements is sent via SMS and the Online Admissions System. Parents are encouraged to remain patient and vigilant as the department finalizes the placement of every learner for the 2026 academic year. For placement-related inquiries, parents can contact the GDE Contact Centre or visit their nearest district office.