Staff writer 
The Gauteng Provincial Government, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, on Wednesday visited schools across the province to monitor their overall readiness and to wish learners well for the 2023 academic year.
Members of the Executive Council participated in oversight visits at several schools and Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) across the province, including the Ekurhuleni, West Rand, Midvaal, Soshanguve, and Ga-Rankuwa.
Premier Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane activated the Back-to-School campaign and officiated the handover of the revamped Mapenane Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa in Tshwane.
The scope of works at Mapenane Secondary School consists of the restoration and repairs of existing classrooms and the construction of the new admin block, two classroom blocks, a science laboratory, a library, a nutrition block, a guard house, a refuse yard and two ablution blocks.
"From today, we welcome Mapenane to a generation of ICT. From today, we welcome Mapenane to a world of innovation," said Lesufi, who also handed dignity packs to girl learners. 
The premier committed that every child will be placed in the 2023 academic year. The Gauteng Department of Education has placed at least 290 751 learners, with some 1 394 remaining.
MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko observed the first day of teaching and learning at Silver Oaks Secondary School in Eldorado Park. "We fully support you, be better and disciplined learners," Mazibuko told the staff and learners. 
 MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko, participated in oversight visits to Laban Motlhabi Comprehensive in Kwa-Thema, where she planted a food garden. MEC for Social Development, Mbali Hlophe, visited the Katleho Secondary School in Sobokeng where she led the Ke Moja presentation to the learners about substance and drug abuse.
For this part, MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, eGovernment and Research and Development, Mzi Khumalo, handed over a Fibre LTE WiFi dual-band router and first aid kits to the Principal of Hope2Day ECD and handed over school uniforms and dignity packs to qualifying learners at Thuto-Lore Comprehensive High School in Sedibeng. 
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, visited Cosmo City Primary School, Cosmo City Secondary school, Diepsloot Primary school and Sunrise Secondary school.
At Diepsloot Primary School, Minister Motshekga welcomed learners back to school while encouraging them to study hard and focus on academics.
"I wish you a successful academic year. This is the most important phase in our education. When you get home, you must assist our learners and check if they have done their homework. When we assist each other with the teacher and school governing body, nothing will defeat us," Motshekga said.