BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Excitement filled the school grounds on January 28, 2026, as Grade One learners began their first day of school, with parents eager to see them settle in and be assured that they are starting the year in a safe and supportive environment.
Across many primary schools around the country, parents and guardians turned out in large numbers, creating a warm and motivating atmosphere for the youngest learners and showing that education is a shared responsibility between families and schools.
Metar Dolorisa Primary School, Head Teacher Thembile Dlamini praised the parents for their commitment and reminded them of their key responsibilities, including ensuring learners arrive on time, wear proper school uniform, and are supported with homework at home.
She also expressed sympathy to parents seeking Grade One placement, noting that the school has over 200 pupils in grade one and have reached full capacity for the year.
Parental support was also evident at Emafusini Nazarene Primary School and Cedusizi Primary School, where parents were seen accompanying learners, engaging with teachers, and ensuring their children settled comfortably on the first day of the term.
“Parental support does not end at the school gate. Working together with teachers, parents can help every child reach their full potential,” she said.
Police Officer Nondumiso Matsebula also addressed parents in a video shared on her social media platform, urging them to make sure their children’s uniforms are tidy and neat. She emphasized that even if parents do not have new uniforms, attention should be paid to details such as thread color and overall presentation to maintain a polished and disciplined appearance.
“Even if you do not have a new uniform, make sure it is clean, tidy, and properly presented. Watch small details like thread color and neatness this sets the right tone for your child and the school,” the Officer said.
One parent, Siphiwe Ndzimandze, who earns a living by selling to school pupils, said she prioritized being present on the first day, noting that schools reopening after two months of closure also meant a boost for her business:
“Supporting my child while restarting my business gives me hope and motivation,” she said.
Another parent, Musa Dlamini, praised the welcoming environment of the school.
“Seeing my child settle confidently on his first day reassures me as a parent. I am grateful for the teachers’ support and the positive atmosphere,” he said.
The young learners also shared their dreams as they settled into their new classrooms. One learner confidently said he wants to become a doctor so he can help sick people. Another expressed his wish to become a police officer, inspired by his older brother. A third learner said she dreams of becoming a nurse, while another shared her ambition of becoming a teacher one day.
At Metar Dolorisa Primary School, waste bins were in place, grass was neatly cut, and classrooms and grounds were tidy and welcoming, promoting health, discipline, and a positive atmosphere for learning.
Mbabane Central High School, parents were also actively involved, with some submitting deposit slips for enrolled learners, while others visited to inquire about available spaces in Grade Eight, reflecting continued parental engagement at secondary school level.
The strong parental presence, combined with well-prepared and organized schools, highlighted the crucial role families and school staff play in fostering discipline, confidence, and academic success for learners, setting a positive and inspiring start to the 2026 school year.
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