Polokwane - Limpopo parents, caregivers and guardians whose children will be going to school for the first time next year have until November 30 to register them.
Spokesman for the provincial Department of Education, Pat Kgomo, said the registration process started in August, but officials are concerned that some parents have not yet registered their children.
"We are currently in the process of registering learners for admission into public schools for next year to avoid unnecessary overcrowding in January. Our aim is to hit the ground running immediately when the schools re-open next year, so we beg those who have not yet registered their children to do so before the end IN November," said Kgomo.
He said the process included pupils who would be moving to new schools next year.
"They must immediately collect registration forms from the school nearest to their home. We are encouraging parents to utilise the registration period with the aim to curb matters of overcrowding so that proper allocation of learning materials could be put in place before the beginning of new school calendar year," he said.
Kgomo said it was advisable that parents immediately return the registration forms within a day or two because admissions will be treated on a first come first served basis.
"The department has an obligation to accommodate all children of school-going age. If you want your child to go to school away from where you stay, you may register your child at the school of your choice, but the school must put your child's name on a waiting list and give you the letter to prove that you're on the list," added Kgomo.
Kgomo said in terms of the South African Schools Act, parents can register their child for Grade 1 if the child turned six on or before June 30 2012. He said those who turned five must be admitted into grade R.
In order to register, parents must have the following documents in their possession: a birth certificate, an immunisation card, form 138 (report card), evidence that they applied for permission to stay or study in South Africa if they are from a foreign country.
"Should your child not be accommodated at the school in your area, contact the Limpopo department of education at (015) 290 9420/9388 so that we can arrange to place your child at a school as near as possible to your home," Kgomo said. -SAnews.gov.za
