The 2026 academic year began across South Africa with a mix of joy and frustration on 14 January. While many pupils started school excitedly, thousands remained unplaced due to capacity issues, and some regions faced flooding and overcrowding. Parents voiced concerns over fees, infrastructure, and access in provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape.
The first day of the 2026 school year unfolded with contrasting scenes nationwide. At Mikateka Primary School in Ivory Park, Tembisa, excited parents and children gathered outside, waiting to enter classrooms. Principal Mandla Sibanyoni highlighted the school's reading achievements, noting they had won the Story Skirmish trophy since 2016 despite English being a first additional language. Parent Maria Chauke expressed pride in her son Lucas starting Grade 3, saying, “To me, I would say it is a compliment to myself because he behaves so well, and he is growing up so nicely. It makes me feel proud to be his mom.”
In Langa, Cape Town, Thembani Primary School welcomed over 100 pupils, including 107 new Grade R learners. Principal Joyce Ngezana described the admission process as smooth for online applicants but challenging for walk-ins. Successful parent Mzwandile Tavashe said, “I’m happy because she is starting school. I do not live far from the school. I applied last year, and we came to orientation.” However, Sineliswa Piyose left without a spot for her son Linathi, explaining she had planned for the Eastern Cape but changed due to family illness.
Challenges dominated elsewhere. In Gauteng, nearly 3,000 learners remained unplaced, mainly Grade 8 students facing high fees and late applications. Parent Lesiba Gwangwa lamented, “My daughter was supposed to start Grade 8 today, but she is sitting at home.” Spokesperson Steve Mabona expected resolutions by week's end, with mobile classrooms planned. In KwaZulu-Natal, Nosipho Vilakazi appealed for a closer placement, citing upfront fee demands of R4,000.
Limpopo's Vhembe District saw delays from severe flooding. Luphai Secondary School principal Florah Nefale kept learners home for three days, stating, “We were ready to start with the academic year, but there will be no attendance for these first three days.” Resumption was set for 19 January.
In the Eastern Cape, Newton High School parents protested overcrowding, with five classrooms holding over 50 pupils each for Grades 10-12. Nazima Human worried, “How will one teacher discipline and manage that many pupils?” Meanwhile, Astra Primary in Gqeberha started smoothly, per principal Helma Boggenpoel. Provincial head Sharon Maasdorp reported fewer than 800 unplaced learners and full delivery of materials.