BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– A sigh of relief!
Some parents have expressed their relief following the postponement of the opening of schools, saying this would give them more time to prepare themselves and their children.
Yesterday, the Minister of Education and Training, Lady Mabuza announced that schools would now be open on January 24, 2023, instead of the initial January 17, 2023.
This information was welcomed with excitement from parents.
In an open interview with the Eswatini Positive News (EPN), parents and guardians said the postponement of schools opening was a blessing in disguise for them as they would be able to cover a lot of ground preparing as they would have time and some would be getting paid.
“Most people get paid on their normal pay days in January- it is mainly civil servants and a few companies that get paid earlier. By the 24th, many people are getting paid and money is back in circulation and this will promote a flow with regards to preparing for schools,” said the parents.
Here is what some parents/guardians from the different parts of Eswatini had to say:
Ayanda Dludlu– There are economic costs associated with opening of schools, such as uniforms, transport fees, lunch packs, stationery and others. Even though civil servants are fortunate to receive their salaries early, low income parents are significantly more likely to triumph at the postponement so that they are also better prepared for the commencement of the school calendar.
Bonginkosi ‘BigKing’ Dlamini– I think the postponement will definitely help parents because the new opening dates might coincide with salary payments. Therefore, parents will be able to take care of uniforms, stationary, packed lunches, boMalume (school buses) and other expenses.
Bongumusa Tfwala– The postponement will give us some time to lookout for places for Form Is and IVs. Secondly, early salary payments for January will start being made next week, and that provides parents with the financial resources and the time to pay schools fees deposits, buy uniforms, prepare for hostels, etc.
Mbali Dlamini– I think this will give us parents more time to secure spaces for kids changing schools and gather more funds for school expenses. It’s also giving us time to find Nannies because you know how they don’t come back in January.
Hleli Gama– We haven’t gotten paid yet so no money for school fees deposit, school uniforms, school lunch bags, transport and many other things my dear. Also some of us are still going to look for space in Form I and IV so there was no enough time for us if school were opening Tuesday.
Khanyi Dlamini– The postponement of schools opening was a good idea because we were not ready- we did not have enough money since we from festive, we have not yet bought school uniform and school fees.
