The Gauteng Department of Education has acknowledged that its online admissions system presents some challenges. This follows complaints from several parents about the system, with some saying they don’t have access to school options.

Online applications for Year 1 and Year 8 learners for the 2023 academic year officially opened on Friday morning.

VIDEO: Gauteng’s online applications for 2023 school admissions open Friday

Gauteng Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona acknowledged there was a problem accessing schools. He says they have issues with Google Maps which have added to the challenges.

“We have a challenge with Google Maps. They kicked us out because we’re at 6,000 per minute in terms of your searches in the system. So we’re over 6,000 in terms of the deal with them. That’s why they decided to kick us out, but we are interacting with them so they can move up to 20,000. We shouldn’t have any problems. We’ve never experienced this. It’s the first time,” Mabona says.

MEC Panyaza Lesufi has promised that every eligible learner will be placed in the province. He was speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the launch of the online system.

Lesufi says funds have been allocated to build additional classrooms to meet the growing demand for popular public schools.

Video: Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi helps with online applications for learner placement

‼️ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ‼️

We are currently working to resolve a technical issue with our use of the Google Maps system.

This case should be resolved within the next 30 minutes.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused.#2023GP Online Admissions https://t.co/o7MHWpsCUJ

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) July 22, 2022