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In Soweto, few pupils in uniform were on the streets making their way home just after 8am.

Shirley Khumalo, a pupil at Aurora Girls High School in Zola, Soweto, said: "I was hoping that schooling would resume today (yesterday), but when I arrived the gates were locked.

"I have read the chapters we had not studied at school but did not understand them. I need someone (a teacher) to explain things to me so that I can understand."

Another pupil, Nokwanda Buthelezi, said: "I was looking forward to learning. I doubt I will come tomorrow. I will watch the news."

A concerned parent, whose daughter attends Ikemeleng Junior Primary School in Naledi, said: "I am angry. I woke up early to prepare my child for school but there was no one when we arrived. I will take her to school tomorrow and hope the teachers will be there."

At Natalspruit Hospital in Ekurhuleni, about 100 workers, wearing red Nehawu T-shirts, gathered outside the gates.

One told Sowetan: "We are waiting for soldiers, police and volunteers to leave so that we can go back to work."

DA Gauteng health spokesperson Jack Bloom said it was unfortunate that staff at Natalspruit Hospital were barred from entering the premises by soldiers and police for fear they would "clash with volunteers still assisting at the hospital".

"There are only 122 patients left at this 700-bed hospital. Its virtual closure has put a strain on many other hospitals on the East Rand," Bloom said.