By Matefu Mokoena
It’s a new year. It’s the first day of school – the 14th January 2026.
As the school doors flung open for the first time this year, it is another opportunity for South Africa’s young ones to get an education and prepare themselves for a better future.
For those starting Grade 1, it marks the beginning of a 12-year schooling journey. For those starting high school, it is five years to go. For those in Grade 12, it is a challenging and arduous 11-month journey to the finish line.
Whatever and however it may be, our children deserve the best education, the best level of dedication from themselves, their teachers and parents. They deserve their best moments of life, their best moments of learning, their best moments of becoming the best they can be.
They also deserve to learn in an environment which is free from bullying, harassment, intimidation, violence, sexual abuse, coercion, drugs, alcohol and all sorts of ills. They deserve to learn in a safe, secure, protected and harmless environment. Schools should be a home away from home for them.
Similarly, our teachers deserve to be in a safe, secure, protected and harmless environment, where they operate in fear of those who are in their care and are supposedly their own children whilst in school premises. They should not live in fear of being attacked at any time by their own learners and students. They should also not be at the mercy of school gangs, which run terror in certain communities and schools.
Let 2026 be a happy and joyous school year.
Let us hold our hands together in support of our children.
Let us give all kinds of support needed by our children, whether it be school uniforms, shoes, clothing, food, aftercare and whatever can be of assistance for those of our children from struggling families.
May all go well with South African children as they pursue knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
May they enjoy their schooling journey. May the 2026 Grade 12 class crown their year with stars and distinctions.
ALL THE BEST IN 2026.
