Schools in Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West province opened on Wednesday (January 9 2013) for the 2013 academic year. Above: The first day at Entandweni Primary School in Zondi, Soweto, was a tearful event for many first graders. Pictures: Lucky Nxumalo/City Press

Pupils get ready for class at King Edward VII Preparatory School in Houghton, north of Johannesburg. Picture: Muntu Vilakazi/City Press

Grade R pupils line up as they wait to be shown their classrooms at King Edward VII Preparatory School in Houghton, north of Johannesburg. Picture: Muntu Vilakazi

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga earlier said her department was ready to welcome one million pupils into the education system this year.

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The education department says its immediate focus is school readiness, the supply and training of teachers, readiness to implement the curriculum, the state of registration of pupils, delivery of textbooks and stationery and the availability of pupil transport and school nutrition to children who qualified.

Following the unfortunate 2012 textbook saga, Motshekga reassured parents they would not experience the same problems. The minister said this when she announced that at least 98% of textbooks had been delivered to inland schools ahead of the first day of the 2013 school calendar.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe (second from left) and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga (second from right) are accompanied by their delegations during a visit to Motlanthe’s former school, Pholoshong Primary in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg. Picture: GCIS