Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
NEARLY 34 000 applications for Form One places have been recorded in the first week of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Electronic Form One Enrolment Platform (eMAP) for the 2027 academic year.
The Ministry said 33 951 applications had been submitted by 13 166 candidates since the platform opened, signalling an encouraging uptake of the digital admissions system.
A total of 320 boarding schools have so far registered on the platform, offering 36 234 boarding places countrywide, comprising 17 777 places for boys and 18 457 for girls.
The available boarding places represent approximately 8,8 percent of the 413 097 candidates who sat for the 2026 Grade Seven examinations.
Of the candidates who sat for the examinations, 209 587 were girls, representing 50,73 percent, while 203 510 were boys, accounting for 49,27 percent.
The Ministry spokesperson, Mr Taungana Ndoro, described the initial response as encouraging but urged parents and guardians to exercise caution when selecting schools.
“The initial response to eMAP 2027 is encouraging and demonstrates growing appreciation of digital platforms in improving access, transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
“However, parents and guardians must approach the application process responsibly. We encourage them to research their preferred schools, verify admission requirements, consider boarding fees, location and available facilities, and ensure that their choices are appropriate for their children’s educational needs and family circumstances,” said Mr Ndoro.
He urged parents to avoid unnecessary applications, deletions and repeated amendments, warning that such practices could place additional demands on the system.
“Every accurate application contributes to a more efficient enrolment process. Unnecessary corrections and repeated changes consume system resources and create additional administrative demands. We therefore appeal to parents and guardians to verify their information and school choices before submitting applications,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said the Ministry remained confident that locally managed digital solutions could strengthen education service delivery, although their effectiveness depended on cooperation among parents, school authorities and administrators.
He also encouraged parents to familiarise themselves with prospective schools and their admission requirements without waiting for the publication of Grade Seven examination results.
The digital enrolment initiative is aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the country’s Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritise accessible, responsive, transparent and citizen-centred public services.
