South Africa

IN PICS | Tears, kisses and smiles as inland provinces go back to school

Government schools opened for the new academic year in the five inland provinces on Wednesday. Sunday Times photographer Alaister Russell was at Cosmo City Primary in Diepsloot, north of Joburg, to capture the emotions.

A grade R pupil becomes emotional during assembly at Cosmo City Primary on January 11 2023, the start of the academic year for primary and high schools in the five inland provinces.
A grade R pupil becomes emotional during assembly at Cosmo City Primary on January 11 2023, the start of the academic year for primary and high schools in the five inland provinces. (Alaister Russell/The Sunday Times)

Government schools opened for the new academic year in the five inland provinces on Wednesday.

Sunday Times photographer Alaister Russell was at Cosmo City Primary School in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, to capture the emotions.

Natalia Nqabeni holds the hand of her daughter, Khayone Poro, as she sends her to her first day at Cosmo City Primary School.
Natalia Nqabeni holds the hand of her daughter, Khayone Poro, as she sends her to her first day at Cosmo City Primary School. (Alaister Russell/The Sunday Times)
Natalia Nqabeni wipes tears from her daughter Khayone Poro's eyes on the first day at school.
Natalia Nqabeni wipes tears from her daughter Khayone Poro's eyes on the first day at school. (Alaister Russell)
Melusi Masuku gives his son Buhlebemvelo Njibana a good luck kiss before sending him off to his first day at Cosmo City Primary School.
Melusi Masuku gives his son Buhlebemvelo Njibana a good luck kiss before sending him off to his first day at Cosmo City Primary School. (Alaister Russell)
Young South Africans have been deeply failed by the education system, says the writer.
Young South Africans have been deeply failed by the education system, says the writer. (Alaister Russell)
Community members gather to listen to an address by basic education minister Angie Motshekga during the first day of school at Cosmo City Primary.
Community members gather to listen to an address by basic education minister Angie Motshekga during the first day of school at Cosmo City Primary. (Alaister Russell)
Mandisa Njibana with her son Buhlebemvelo on his first day at Cosmo City Primary School.
Mandisa Njibana with her son Buhlebemvelo on his first day at Cosmo City Primary School. (Alaister Russell)
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga talks to parents and pupils at Cosmo City Primary during the first day at school for inland provinces.
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga talks to parents and pupils at Cosmo City Primary during the first day at school for inland provinces. (Alaister Russell)

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