Page 22 - CAO Annual Report 2024/2025

CENTRAL APPLICATIONS OFFICE
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
Iam pleased to present our Annual Report for the 2025 applications entry cycle. Despite the many challenges encountered we continue to deliver excellent service to those we serve. In a couple of months
the 2025 academic year will be at an end bar the final examinations and the stresses that accompanied its planning and implementation would be all but forgotten.
The 2025 applications cycle opened on the 1st March 2024 and we started receiving applications from the first day. This was not an accident, but the result of a goal driven execution and careful planning throughout the preceding year. The commencement of the cycle coincided with the opening of the refurbished reception area that was transformed from a paper-based applications space into a digital gateway with forty computers allowing applicants to have their applications immediately available to the institutions to which they have applied.
All schools had received their consignment of the latest Handbooks and application materials, which were also sent to a number of libraries and NGO’s. The refreshed website presented the public with a more user-friendly experience as well as boosting our revenue stream.
The newly established Marketing Department that grew out of the Customer Service Department immediately proved its value by initiating campaigns and forging strategic partnerships with radio stations and Home Affairs to increase CAO’s footprint. The second Annual CAO-KZN High Schools Art Competition themed “Roots and Wings: A celebration of Heritage through Art” attracted artworks from 56 schools, including Schools for Learners with Special Needs (LSEN) and was visited by learners, parents and educators during a two-week exhibition at our premises, which culminated in the stunning Arts Awards held at the White Box in Musgrave. As at some prior events, the Arts Awards was also broadcast live by Gagasi FM.
GEORGE VAN DER ROSS
CEO - Central Applications Office
The 2025 applications cycle opened on the 1st March 2024 and we started receiving applications from the first day. This was not an accident, but the result of a goal driven execution and careful planning throughout the preceding year.
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