The first day of school excitement was one that was felt by many parents and students yesterday, especially in Zone 16 of Ga-Rankuwa.

This, as a newly built high school was unveiled by Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane and Premier of the province, Panyaza Lesufi. Both officials addressed a gathering of parents and their children ahead of the official opening.

With over 1300 Grade 1 and 8 learners still awaiting school placement the day before the beginning of the school year, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi assured those gathered, that within the next ten days, there will be tangible progress and all learners in the province will be placed in schools. 

When speaking about the online registration, Lesufi expressed that the online registration is not to be blame for school placement issues adding that the online system makes things easier. 

According to Lesufi, around 200 000 learners arrive to Gauteng every year which requires the Department of Education to build 20 new schools each year, which contributes to the already existent backlog. 

He further expressed his satisfaction with the Department of Infrastructure and Development committing themselves to building a new school every month, adding that this will assist in dealing with the infrastructure backlog. 

Speaking about dealing with the infrastructure backlog, Lesufi emphasised the need to protect this infrastructure because resources are limited despite the need for more facilities.  

When speaking on the management and protection of infrastructure, The MEC of Education in the province, Matome Chiloane expressed that the community should come on board in protecting this infrastructure and environment. Chiloane further said that hotspot areas have been identified for security to be deployed, adding that law enforcement has been communicated with to ensure visible policing takes place.

When asked about the impact of load shedding on schools and learning, the MEC expressed that schooling will resume despite load shedding, adding that learning takes place during the day. 

Inland province schools reopened on Wednesday, 11 January 2023, with members of the Department of Basic Education and other government officials using today to conduct monitoring. Coastal provinces are set to begin their academic year on Wednesday, 18 January 2023.