Winde Highlights Support For Learners As 2025 School Year Gets Underway

Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, visited Timour Hall Primary School in Plumstead yesterday to mark the beginning of the 2025 school year, reports Cape town Etc .

With over 1.2 million learners across the province, the day was significant for many, including the 107,000 Grade 1 students entering primary school for the first time and 100,000 Grade 8 students embarking on their high school journeys.

Premier Winde offered words of encouragement to the excited Grade 1 learners and their families, acknowledging the mixture of excitement and nervousness that often accompanies the first day of school. He shared: It is alright to be a bit nervous on your first day of school. But always know that there is someone to help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you put in the effort, you will reap the rewards. However, at the same time remember to also make time to have some fun too! By creating a balance between your schoolwork and play time you will be able to achieve so much more!

Winde also thanked parents and caregivers for their critical role in their childrens education, stressing the importance of community support. 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 of course our dedicated teachers, principals, and the whole team that supports education in this province, he added.

The Western Cape's education system has been under pressure, with a reported 98 of Grade 1 and 8 placements already secured for the 2025 school year. As of January 14, 118,914 placements were confirmed, with just 2 of students still awaiting placement due to late applications. In light of this, education officials are working to accommodate the remaining 2,478 students while urging parents to apply for the 2025 school year immediately if they haven't already.