There’s excitement and emotions as Grade 1 learners are ushered into their classes to begin their 12-year school career.
School commenced at 07:30 but some parents are still lurking outside the classroom peeping through the windows to catch the last glimpse of their bundles of joy.
Hugs and kisses while cameras clicked away as grade one parents tried to capture the special moment. Despite the little ones settling in without drama as anticipated – it’s the mothers and fathers who can’t seem to let go.
With a sniff and the wiping of silent tears, however, the little ones are braver than we think and ready to tackle the world.
Schooling system
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has assured that her department will avail necessary support to all schools, to ensure the functionality of the schooling system.
Gwarube is in the Eastern Cape to assess school readiness for the 2025 academic year. Her first visit was at Khwezilesizwe Primary School at Maqoma to welcome Grade R and Grade 1 learners.
“The message is to say we wish you well for the 2025 academic year we want to say that we are here every step of the way ours is to make sure that the environment is conducive for learning and teaching.”
Video: Back to School | Learners gear up for the opening of schools
Safety concerns
Meanwhile, parents are calling for more security within the schoolyards, as schools re-open this morning.
Bullying, drugs & violence have been highlighted as some of the safety concerns affecting teaching & learning.
Last year, Gauteng Education Department identified various schools as high-risk.
In the Ekhurhuleni – 55 schools were seen to be of concern. of the list- Masiqhakaze Secondary School in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg was one of them.
School stationery
Some parents are unhappy about some of the items on school stationery lists. Among the items listed are cleaning products such as pine gel, detergents and dishwashing soap.
Parents are also angry about schools asking for specific stationery brands which which they say are too expensive.
One of the concerned parents Jack Mahlangu says, “How are the schools expecting the people to buy stationery? Schools expect people to buy preferred brands instead of listing affordable necessities with good quality. They prefer the pricey stationery.”
The Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona has advised parents to approach School Governing Bodies in relation to their concerns about stationery lists.
“The SGB has the responsibility to manage what’s happening in their school environment. So anything that they don’t want they should be in a position to say we don’t agree with that. Because the parent’s body would have probably agreed that these are the things that they will be procuring and things like those.”
