It was an emotional start to the 2010 school year for many grade one pupils in the Western Cape on Wednesday.

It was a daunting day for many as they held their mother’s hands, decked in their new school uniforms and satchels tight on their backs.

When a teacher tried to escort a child to class, she screamed and wailed while her mother shed a tear.

Other pupils were visibly excited to make new friends and kick off their school careers.

MEC VISITS SCHOOLS

Provincial Education MEC Donald Grant visited several schools across the Mother City on Wednesday, as the academic year kicked off.

Grant popped into one of the classrooms and wished the pupils good luck.

He added it seemed all the province’s teachers were well prepared.

The MEC said vandalism and security remained a concern for his department but emphasized numerous measures were in place this year further addressed these issues.

SCRAMBLE TO COPE WITH REGISTRATIONS

The Western Cape Education Department said there were 15 schools across the province where there were problems related to the late registration of learners.

Teams of officials were dispatched to schools in Mossel Bay, Langa, Khayelitsha and Grabouw to assist teachers trying to accommodate pupils who had registered on time.