By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Mpumalanga launched its 2026 Back to School campaign this week, where it said that nearly 10,000 learners were still awaiting placement ahead of the new term.
Education MEC Lindi Masina, speaking at Mathupa Primary School, urged school governing bodies, parents and communities to work together to ensure schools reopen “smoothly and safely” next week.
The provincial education department also said Mpumalanga had experienced persistent, above-average rainfall since schools closed in December, affecting grounds and infrastructure.
“It is therefore essential that all school governing bodies act with urgency to ensure that their schools are clean, orderly and ready to start with learning and teaching on the very first day,” Masina said.
“School governing bodies are equally encouraged to lead these efforts with commitment and determination, mobilising support and resources where needed and embodying the spirit of the Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena (Love Your School) Campaign.”
Masina said learner admissions for the 2026 academic year were conducted between 2 May and 31 August 2025, and that enrolment was expected to reach about 1.03 million.
While districts had completed admissions, 9,826 learners were still awaiting placement, she said, mainly in fast-growing towns including Mbombela, Emalahleni, Mashishing, Steve Tshwete and Secunda. The highest number of unplaced learners was in Gert Sibande District, followed by Nkangala and Ehlanzeni.
“The department wishes to assure parents of the affected learners that everything humanly possible will be made to ensure the admission of their children in schools for the 2026 academic year,” Masina said.
She attributed pressure on schools to migration from rural to urban areas and more applications outside feeder zones.
The department had strengthened its provincial admission management system, established admission inquiry structures at district and circuit level, and set up help desks to handle placement queries, she said.
“Our message is clear, every child of school-going age must be admitted and no learner must be left outside the classroom.”
Masina said the department had improved learning support, and had reached 95% textbook coverage in 2024, with top-up books delivered for grades 4 to 11 in April 2025 and full textbook provision for Grade 12 learners in July 2024.
Digital learning support materials, including learner tablets, were planned for 2026, she said.
She said 32,103 educator posts had been approved for 2026 following consultations with unions through the Education Labour Relations Council, with temporary and substitute posts extended where needed.
The department delivered new learner furniture to 342 schools in 2025, benefiting 20 310 learners, Masina said, and the National School Nutrition Programme would continue providing daily meals to learners in Quintile 1 to 3 schools from the first day back.
“For many children, this daily meal restores dignity, energy, and concentration, and we remain fully committed to sustaining and strengthening this programme,” she said.
“It is based on this context that schools are encouraged to established vegetable gardens to supplement the school nutrition programme.”
On scholar transport, Masina said 67,221 learners would benefit this year, with safety standards and vehicle capacity limits closely monitored, especially in flood-affected areas.
“The department wishes to urge parents to register their children in schools within their residential areas to avoid instances where learners are driven past nearby schools, because this poses some risks in the long run,” she said.
Masina said 221 schools were identified for maintenance and renovations in 2025, with 77 projects completed, while new school construction had faced delays due to persistent rainfall.
She said the department had procured 130 mobile classrooms to address overcrowding and storm damage, and that 28 schools suffered storm damage in the past week, with officials assessing sites and coordinating repairs.
Masina also called for action to curb bullying, substance abuse, vandalism and violence at schools.
“We must create nurturing environments where every learner feels safe, respected and supported,” she said.
“Mental health awareness, kindness, tolerance and responsible behaviour must be encouraged at all times.”
“As a provincial government, we confirm our commitment to supporting schools, strengthening learning outcomes, addressing infrastructure challenges, improving accessibility, and ensuring accountability and service excellence.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
