Eastern Cape Department of Education Schools opened with high enthusiasm as the 2024 academic year begins.

Thousands of learners were expected in classrooms across the Province even though in some areas the readiness was mired by Taxi violence, Scholar Transport and torrential rain particularly in rural areas.

Speaking on behalf of the Department was the ECDoE, OR Tambo Coastal District Director Dr. Bongi Mpenyana, said "The EC Education have been hard at work preparing for this smooth opening for 2024 as a result Stationery, learner admissions was spot on therefore as from today it was all systems go."

Also commented on behalf of the Department was the Ntabenkonyana Senior Secondary School Principal from Middledrift, Amathole West Education District Charmaine, she said, "Today we open the term with a very positive atmosphere, Some nervous grade 8s. But everything was in order apart from dealing with parents looking for placement only, therefore we should take note that yesterday was the past.

Speaking on behalf of the Learners was a Grade 12, Vukile Tshwete Senior Secondary School, Chumisa Mkhapha (18) she said “it is a very exciting and pleasant feeling to be back at school but yet a tiring one due to the pending work that has been given to us already. I for one volunteer that we are highly ready to be kicking and getting ready for the year 2024.”

Giving word of encouragement to learners was the Forbes Grant SSS, Grade 12 learner Avuya Zita (17) he said " I encourage the leaners that didn’t make it to grade 12 to never feel downgraded or to feel down just because of one failure. Failing doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up or stop chasing your dreams, but that just means that you have to pick up your socks and do better next time.”