South Africa: Gauteng Gets 500,000 Grade 1 and 8 Applications - South African News Briefs - August 11, 2026

Gauteng Records Nearly 500,000 Grade 1 and 8 Applications Almost half a million applications have been submitted for Grade 1 and Grade 8 places in Gauteng for the 2027 academic year since the online application system opened, reports EWN. The Gauteng Department of Education has said that improvements have been made to streamline the process. Education MEC Lebogang Maile has urged parents to apply early. The department also says learners awaiting specialised placement should receive interim support rather than remain on waiting lists, with officials focusing on successful placements and resolving outstanding cases. Strong Winds Damage Homes in Free State The South African Red Cross Society is assessing damage caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall in Koppies and other parts of the Free S