ERMELO – The Mpumalanga Provincial Government officially handed over the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts in town on August 3, during a ceremony led by MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo and MEC for Education Lindi Masina.

The occasion coincided with what would have been the late South African reggae icon Lucky Dube’s 62nd birthday.

The handover ceremony, held in Extension 34 in Ermelo, was attended by Thomo, MEC for Education Lindi Masina, executive mayors from across the Gert Sibande District, members of the provincial executive, traditional leaders, government officials, community members and members of the late Lucky Dube’s family, who welcomed the tribute to the internationally acclaimed musician born in Ermelo.

Named in honour of Dube, the school officially opened its doors on January 15, 2025, and has been operational since the start of the academic year

It is the first public, no-fee performing arts-focused high school in Mpumalanga and serves as a School of Specialisation dedicated to developing young talent in the creative and performing arts.

The state-of-the-art campus comprises 32 classrooms, two Grade R classrooms, ablution facilities, a soccer field and two multi-purpose combi courts

MEC Thomo described the school as an investment in future generations, while MEC Masina urged the community to protect and preserve the facility.

Read more about the official handover ceremony, the messages from MECs Thulasizwe Thomo and Lindi Masina, and the school’s role in Mpumalanga’s creative economy in the Highvelder’s printed edition.