The online admissions system processed 5,717 late applications as this equated to 2,656 grade 1 applications and 3,061 grade 8 applications and these applicants received immediate placement at available schools.

During the late applications period, only schools with space to accommodate pupils in the 2024 academic year will be available on its admissions system. 

“Parents must apply to only one of the presented schools and they will receive automatic placement at the school they select," Mabona said.

Meanwhile, Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane is confident that late applicants and unplaced applicants will receive placements well in time for the start of the 2024 academic year.

"The progress we have made with placements is remarkable, considering we are a month away from the beginning of the new academic year," Chiloane added.