Pretoria - Children starting school and starting at new schools anxiously walked to school accompanied by their parents this morning as inland schools reopened.
Coastal schools are expected to reopen next week.
While most Grade 1's starting school tried to put on a brave face, many were anxious about what their first day at big school would hold.
According to the Department of Education, learning materials were delivered to schools well ahead of time to ensure learning began from day one of the new term.
Deputy President Baleka Mbete and Education Minister Naledi Pandor joined a school in Mpumalanga for their assembly this morning.
The pair, who were accompanied by Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla and Provincial MEC for Education Mathulare Coleman, lent support to pupils, teachers and parents at the KwaNdebele Science Combined School in Siyabuswa.
Spokesperson for the Department of Education Lunga Ngqengelele, said the visit included checking on the state of readiness for the 2009 school year.
"The provincial education department has ensured that everything is in place for the re-opening of schools," said provincial Department of Education spokesperson Jasper Zwane, adding that teaching and learning should start on the first day of schooling.
Other senior education officials have been deployed around the country to other schools to lend support to the pupils, teachers and parents.
Deputy Minister if Education Advocate Andre Gaum visited schools in Mamelodi, Pretoria while Gauteng Education MEC visited schools in Soweto, Johannesburg.
