Diepsloot's low-cost schools prove popular

Parents regard the two schools highly in an area with an estimated population of 1.1-million and only six government primary schools and one high school.

Although both are private, the Basa Primary and Rabasotho Combined schools in the northern Johannesburg township could not be more different.

Rabasotho, which expects to enrol 750 Grade 1 to 12 pupils this year, is a collection of ramshackle prefabricated and brick structures surrounded by a teetering fence. It costs R165 a month to attend.

Early arrivals played soccer on a pitch of gravel and concrete slabs. A threadbare flag flew from a makeshift flagpole.

Bare-walled classrooms had ageing desks and small chalk boards. Some ceilings were sagging.

Despite this, parents believe Rabasotho, which had a 74% matric pass rate last year, is better than the free government schools that are far away from many of their homes.

Parent Ruth Sarela, whose daughter Lethabo is in Grade 1, said: "I chose this school because it's near home and I think it's a good school." But the single, jobless mother cannot afford it. "It's so expensive. A shirt is R75 and a tie is R40."

Some children wept after being prised from their parents' arms.

But Kenneth Sethaba's son, Katlego, at five too young for a government primary school, flashed a toothy grin through the classroom window and gave him a thumbs up.

Basa Primary, 4km away, which charges parents R450 a month, presented a stark contrast with paved courtyards, polished tiles and teams of gardeners trimming lawns.

Posters, books and toys lined classroom walls. Teaching was well under way by 10am yesterday.

Domestic worker Thembi Dludlu arrived with daughter Oratile, who is in Grade 1. She said the price was "lavish" but Oratile's father insisted they send her there.

Then they found themselves out in the cold as Oratile's monthly fees had yet to be paid in full.

"I am waiting for her father to bring me money. They say she can't come into class until the money is paid. I am so stressed. I should be at work right now, but my employer understands," Dludlu said.

Sitting by her mother's side in her crisp green uniform, shiny new black shoes and backpack on her shoulders, Oratile was unaware of her mother's predicament.

"I am looking forward to making new friends," she said.