Timour Hall Primary School’s start of the 2025 school year, last Wednesday, was bolstered by a special visit from Premier Alan Winde and Education MEC David Maynier.

According to the Western Cape Education Department, more than 1.2 million pupils are in the province's public schools this year. With 107 000 Grade 1s entering primary school and 100 000 Grade 8s starting high school.

Providing some words of encouragement, Mr Winde told the Grade 1s, it was fine to be a bit nervous on their first day of school but there was always someone to help them. He reminded them to make time for fun by creating a balance between their school work and playtime.

He thanked parents and caregivers for prioritising their children’s education.

“Succeeding at school is not just up to our learners, it is about the community of care that they receive from you, our communities and our dedicated teachers, principals and the whole team that supports education in this province. This province’s success and our commitment to driving economic prosperity and more jobs in the future continues with these learners who start school today," Mr Winde said.

Mr Maynier said 98% of the pupils for whom applications had been received for Grade 1 and 8 by the end of last year had been allocated places as of Tuesday January 14.

Placement was in progress for 2 478, or the outstanding 2%. However, since the start of the year, 300 new late applications had been received for Grade 1 and 8 pupils for the current school year.

Acknowledging the stress and anxiety awaiting placement could cause, Mr Maynier asked all parents to work with the department as it sought to accommodate their children as soon as possible.

Any parent who had not yet applied for the 2025 school year should do so immediately at their education district office. District office details are available at https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials

“We are taking steps to accommodate the increase in learner numbers this year despite severe budget constraints. To create more space for learners, we are working to complete nine new schools and 265 additional classrooms in total for learners in the 2025 school year. This includes six new schools and 180 classrooms for January 2025,” Mr Maynier said.

“Through further budget reprioritisation, we are in a position to make up to 477 new growth posts available to schools with a significant increase in learner numbers in 2025, and provide staff for the new schools we have completed.”

Timour Hall Primary school pupil Aroush Abrahams meets Premier Alan Winde. Picture: supplied