- An Australian mother raising two children in South Africa has shared the differences she noticed between schools in Mzansi and her home country
- Her observations included earlier school start times, children going barefoot at some South African schools and the strong emphasis on school sports
- South Africans responded by discussing school discipline, good manners, respect and the role of sports in local education
An Australian mother living in South Africa has sparked an online discussion after sharing the differences she has observed between schools in the two countries.
Source: Facebook
Louisa, an Australian expatriate raising her two children in South Africa, posted a Facebook video on October 13, 2026, explaining what surprised and impressed her about the South African education system.
Her observations covered school schedules, footwear, sporting activities and the values taught to children, prompting reactions from parents and social media users.
Australian mum highlights differences in school schedules
Louisa explained that schools in Australia generally follow a predictable daily timetable, with classes typically running from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
In contrast, she found that South African schools often start earlier, at around 7:30 am, and that timetables can vary depending on the grade.
Adjusting to the different schedules took time as she learned how the local school system operates.
Another difference that caught her attention was the practice of children going barefoot at some South African schools.
According to Louisa, children in South Africa may remove their shoes when they arrive at school, while pupils in Australia are generally expected to keep their footwear on during the school day.
However, barefoot policies vary between schools, and the practice is not universal across South Africa.
Why school sports stood out to the Australian mother
Beyond school schedules and footwear, Louisa highlighted the prominent role of sports in South African schools.
She observed that inter-school sporting competitions attract strong participation from pupils and parents, creating an energetic atmosphere around school events.
In Australia, she explained, competitive sports often take place through private clubs or organised activities outside regular school hours, including on weekends.
The difference stood out to her because sports in South Africa can form a significant part of school life, bringing together pupils, teachers, parents and communities.
Louisa also praised South African schools for emphasising manners, respect and personal presentation, noting the role these values play in children's daily routines and behaviour.
Watch the explanatory Facebook reel below:
Netizens react to Australian mum's school comparison
The video prompted social media users to share their experiences of school life in South Africa, with several discussing barefoot policies, discipline and sporting culture.
@Naretha Bornman said:
"Only grades 1 to 3 are allowed to go barefoot. My daughter loved it."
@Claire Webb added:
"Barefoot, really? Never seen it. Not in KZN when I lived there, nor here in Cape Town. Very interesting though."
@Leslie Le Roux shared:
"Private school, I suppose."
@Anne Brawley commented:
"Great grounding for them! They’ll have wonderful immune systems."
@Munnik Nieuwoudt wrote:
"Being respectful and having manners is a good thing. We try to raise our children that way."
@Stefanie Ross Cantzler said:
"Sports are a huge thing, and that's why our rugby is amazing despite all the other things going on here."
Source: TUKO.co.ke