By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The 2023 academic school year for the majority of learners in inland schools has commenced today with Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga conducting oversight visits to various schools to monitor their overall readiness.
While some had big smiles, others clung to their parents, weeping softly as they approached the gates.
Motshekga is currently visiting Cosmo City Primary School, Cosmo City Secondary school, Diepsloot Primary school and Sunrise Secondary school.
Speaking at Diepsloot Primary School, Motshekga welcomed learners back to school while encouraging them to study hard and focus on academics.
The Minister pleaded with parents to assist their children with homework and reading.
“I wish you a successful academic year. This is the most important phase in our education. When you get home, you must assist our learners and check if they have done their homework. When we assist each other with the teacher and school governing body, nothing will defeat us,” Motshekga said.
Motshekga added that about 1 500 Gauteng pupils still did not have placements at schools.
“They (schools) are using churches where we don’t have enough space, and sometimes it is really circumstances which are beyond our control. We have committed ourselves that in 10 days’ time, we must have more space.
“Some parents find themselves having to move around because of jobs, but we normally give ourselves 10 days to mop up,” she said.
The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, accompanied by MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, will be monitoring the opening of schools in Limpopo today.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Provincial Government, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, will today lead the school reopening programme to mark the start of the 2023 academic year.
Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane will activate the Back-to-School campaign and officiate the handover of Mapenane Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane.
Members of the Executive Council are also participating in oversight visits at several schools across the province to observe the first day of teaching and learning and conduct oversight visits to Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) to gauge their preparedness.