Veronica Makhoali17 January 2024 | 16:29

Motshekga urges parents, teachers & pupils to work together to guarantee success of 2024 academic year

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that her deparment was ready for the year despite several challenges in ushering in the new schooling year.

Motshekga urges parents, teachers & pupils to work together to guarantee success of 2024 academic year

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. Picture: @DBE_SA/X

JOHANNESBURG - As South Africa on Wednesday officially kicked off the school year, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga urged parents, teachers and pupils to work together to guarantee the success of the 2024 academic year.

Motshekga said that her deparment was ready for the year despite several challenges in ushering in the new schooling year, including the destruction of at least 59 schools in flood-stricken KwaZulu-Natal, placement backlogs and the shortage of learning material.

The minister addressed pupils at the Kgatoentle Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria, to monitor the reopening of schools. 

As parents proudly showcased their children donning their uniforms on social media, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that the real work began now. 

"And when the system is stabel, we are now able to see what are the things we need to strengthen."

The minister was joined by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who has asked parents for a 10-day grace period to address numerous issues.

"Most of us have started well, albeit those few schools at which challenges still remain."

Motshekga and Chiloane also wished pupils and teachers a successful year ahead.