MOSSEL BAY NEWS -  Mossel Bay Advertiser visited Erika Primary School this morning, 14 January, where several excited parents and learners quickly filled up the school’s Grade One classrooms.

Schools in Mossel Bay and across South Africa opened their doors for the 2026 school year today.

With their freshly ironed uniforms and shiny faces, the learners were quietly seated by their desks, listening attentively to their teacher and already making new friends.

Ceceilia Campbell, a Grade One teacher of five years, told the Advertiser that she loves teaching this particular grade. “My classroom walls are empty at the moment. As the learners grow, so do the walls,” she said.

Campbell previously taught Grade Two before making the switch to Grade One.

Before her new class of Grade Ones arrived, she said goodbye to her Class of 2025, leading them to their Grade Two classrooms for the year.

Some 1.2 million learners are enrolled in Western Cape schools for 2026, including several primary schools in Mossel Bay. 

Grade One teacher, Ceceilia Campbell, briefs the parents and learners on the plans for the year. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz

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