Qacha’s Nek — Acting District Education Manager, Mr. Mapepe Rakotje, has appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that children report to school from the very first day of reopening, stressing that every missed day negatively affects learners’ performance.
Mr. Rakotje made the appeal in an interview with the Agency after it was reported that a number of pupils failed to attend school on Wednesday as the 2026 academic year officially commenced.
Reasons cited included learners still waiting to cut their hair, purchase school necessities, still at initiation school, sponsorship applications and delays by parents who were waiting for month-end to pay school fees.
“Parents and guardians should ensure that they enrol pupils in school on time. Timely school attendance is critical to learner success,” Mr. Rakotje said.
He further explained that on Monday, January 12, the District Education Office convened a meeting with principals from both primary and high schools to map out strategies for a smooth start to the academic year.
“I believe they started on a high note with fresh minds and renewed dedication. We encouraged them to support one another and seek assistance where necessary, whether from colleagues or the Ministry,” he added.
While some parents acknowledged the importance of sending children to school on time, others cited financial hardships as the major barrier.
One grandmother whose grandchild missed the first day said she was still waiting for confirmation of education sponsorship from the Department of Social Development.
“We applied for sponsorship, and the delays in response affect children’s education badly. I wish this process could be done in December so that children don’t miss classes. Catching up is never easy, especially for Grade 8 learners,” she said.
Another guardian shared an emotional account of trying to raise funds for her granddaughter’s school registration.
“She is raised by a single mother who went to South Africa in search of work and did not even come home for Christmas. Now I have to figure everything out to make sure my granddaughter goes back to school for Grade 9 after passing Grade 8,” she said.She explained that registration fees remain unaffordable even for learners sponsored by the department.
“A neighbor borrowed me only M300, not even half of the registration fee. At least she can resume classes, and I will pay the remaining amount as the year unfolds. She doesn’t even have school shoes, it’s a mess,” she said.
“Why are sponsored learners expected to pay the same registration fee of almost M990 as those who are not sponsored? We are already struggling. This affects her performance because she is constantly reminded about fees at school.”
On a brighter note, a parent whose child returned to school on the first day expressed relief.
“I was so happy and relieved to take my child back to primary school. I know how important education is, and seeing her go back on time gives me peace of mind,” she said.
Learners also shared mixed emotions. One pupil who attended school on the first day said she was excited.
“I was very happy to go back to school and see my friends again. I missed them, and I’m excited to learn new things this year,” she said with a smile.
However, another learner who stayed home due to financial challenges said the experience was painful.
“I don’t even know when I’m going to school because my mother is still applying for sponsorship. It hurts seeing my friends go to school while I stay behind, not because I don’t want to go, but because there is no money,” he said softly.
The reopening of schools has reinforced the importance of timely attendance and the need to address challenges that delay learners from starting the academic year on time.
Ends/MM/tl
