The Nshangase family at Cosmo City Elementary School, ahead of the 2023 opening ceremony.
- Parents sent their children to school on Wednesday and the new school year began.
- Many students in Gauteng clung to their parents and cried softly as they approached the gate.
- Some parents had mixed feelings when sending their children off.
After a well-deserved rest, the holiday season is officially over and parents across the country hit the road Wednesday morning to send their kids off for their first day of school.
The 2023 academic year has started at an inland school.
While those returning to school met familiar faces, it was a new adventure for those starting the school trip.
Parents and students alike were filled with excitement, anxiety and joy.
Parents and students were all smiles at Cosmocity Elementary School in Johannesburg. As we approached the gate, the other students clung to their parents and wept softly.
Mduduzi Ntshangas told News24 that it was her daughter’s first day at school and she wanted to do her best.
Read | Some schools use churches because ‘not enough space’ – Motshekga on first day of school
A proud Nshangas said he enjoys watching his child strive for a bright future.
Meanwhile, a parent at Sharon Leigh Elementary School in Lundburg felt separation anxiety the moment she dropped off her two children and her niece.
Merlin Lihuwa and daughter at Cosmo City Elementary School.
News24 Iavan Pijoos, News24
The woman told News24 that she is not only excited about her children, but also worried because she won’t be able to be with them for the first time in a while.
Another parent had teary eyes as he saw off his first-grade son.
Parents and students on the first day of school at Tuman Elementary School in Soweto’s Meadowlands.
Gallo Images Gallo Images/Papi Moraque
She said: “I’m very emotional. I’m trying to hold back my tears. He looks so handsome.
Read |‘Trying to hold back my tears’: Mixed emotions as inland students return to school
On the other hand, parents who could not leave their children felt dissatisfaction and suffering because they could not send their children to school.
Parents and students on the first day of school at Tuman Elementary School in Soweto’s Meadowlands.
Gallo Images Gallo Images/Papi Moraque
In Gauteng, about 1,300 children are at home because they cannot find school.
The Gauteng Ministry of Education said it was aware of the problem and was working around the clock to ensure all children were in school.
Parents and students at Tuman Elementary School in Soweto’s Meadowlands.
Gallo Images Gallo Images/Papi Moraque
Basic Education Minister Angie Moshekga, who was conducting a supervisory visit at schools in Cosmo City on Wednesday, said some schools had to use churches for their education, so the Ministry of Basic Education is working with the State Treasury. He said he was dealing with overcrowding.
