Mpumalanga Parents Urged to Register Learners for 2026 Before 31 August Deadline

The Mpumalanga Department of Education has reminded all parents and guardians that only three days remain before the deadline for the admission of learners into schools for the 2026 academic year. Parents are urged to make use of the remaining days to register their children before the deadline of 31 August 2025, at nearby schools.

Urgent Call for Timely Registrations

Early admission ensures that schools are able to plan adequately for the new academic year and allows teaching and learning to commence smoothly on the very first day of reopening in 2026. The admission process for the 2026 academic year officially opened on 2 May 2025, giving parents and guardians ample time to apply. However, with the closing date fast approaching, the department is intensifying its call to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to oversights or delays in placements.

“Education is a fundamental right. Every child deserves a place in school, regardless of their circumstances. I call upon parents to take responsibility and register their children within the set deadline so that together, we can guarantee access to quality education for all,” the MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, said on Wednesday. This plea underscores the importance of proactive involvement from families to secure spots in public schools, especially in a province where demand for places in well-resourced institutions often exceeds availability.

The department has noted that timely registrations allow for better resource allocation, including the hiring of additional teachers, procurement of learning materials, and infrastructure planning. In Mpumalanga, where rural and urban disparities can affect access, early applications help ensure that no child is left behind. For instance, schools in areas like Bushbuckridge or Nkangala often face higher enrollment pressures, and advance planning mitigates overcrowding, which has been a recurring issue with classes sometimes exceeding 40 learners per teacher.

Clear Guidelines for Fair and Inclusive Admissions

The department has issued clear guidelines to schools to ensure that the admission process is fair, transparent and inclusive. All learners of school-going age must be duly admitted and registered before the closing date. No learner may be denied admission at a public school on the grounds that their parents cannot afford school fees or because of differences in religious beliefs. Learners without official documents, such as birth certificates, IDs, study permits or proof of residence, must not be turned away.
Principals are required to accept alternative proof, such as an affidavit or sworn statement by a parent, caregiver or guardian, and assist families in securing the necessary documents through the relevant government departments. This approach addresses common barriers faced by families in underserved communities, where obtaining official papers can be challenging due to administrative delays or costs.
All schools are expected to establish functional admission committees to oversee and manage the process fairly and professionally. These committees review applications, prioritise placements based on criteria like proximity to home, and resolve any disputes transparently. Parents are advised to prioritise admission at schools closest to their homes to minimise travel distances for learners, reducing costs and safety risks associated with long commutes on public transport or footpaths in rural areas.

Broader Context of School Admissions in South Africa

While Mpumalanga’s deadline is set for 31 August 2025, other provinces have varying timelines, reflecting the decentralised nature of education management. For example, Gauteng’s online admissions for Grade 1 and 8 close on 29 August 2025, with applications having opened on 24 July. In the Western Cape, transfer applications for Grades 2-7 and 9-12 run from 4 to 18 August 2025. These differences highlight the need for parents to check provincial specifics, but the common goal is to ensure smooth starts to the academic year.

Nationally, the Department of Basic Education encourages registrations between April and October each year to allow for proper planning. In Mpumalanga, the process has been streamlined with online options available since the opening date, though walk-in applications at schools remain accessible for those without internet. This hybrid approach aims to include all families, particularly in remote areas where digital divides persist.

Challenges in admissions often stem from population growth and migration, with Mpumalanga seeing influxes from neighbouring provinces and countries, straining resources. The department’s inclusive policies help mitigate this, ensuring undocumented children, including those from migrant families, can access education as per the Constitution’s guarantee of basic education for all.

Impact on Learners and Communities

Failing to register on time can result in learners missing out on preferred schools or facing delays in starting classes, which disrupts learning continuity. In 2025, similar late applications in some provinces led to temporary placements or overcrowding, affecting academic performance. By registering early, parents contribute to better-prepared schools, where teachers can focus on instruction from day one.
The emphasis on nearby schools also promotes community stability, as shorter travel reduces dropout risks linked to transport costs or safety concerns. In Limpopo and other rural provinces, this has proven effective in boosting attendance rates, which hover around 95% when access is convenient.

For vulnerable groups, the affidavit option removes barriers, aligning with national efforts to achieve universal enrollment. South Africa’s net enrollment rate stands at 98% for primary education, but secondary levels drop to 90%, partly due to administrative hurdles that these guidelines aim to eliminate.

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