Mpumalanga Department of Education plans to construct three new schools

Three schools will be planned and designed this financial year – a new primary school in White River, and a primary and secondary school in eMalahleni’s Siyancoba township. The MEC for education, Lindi Masina, said the Department of Education (DoE) is undertaking infrastructure projects involving the construction of new schools in areas experiencing high demand.

“Addressing overcrowding remains a priority, particularly in rapidly growing towns and communities. Four new schools are currently nearing completion and will be ready for occupation during this year,” said Masina.

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These are Langa Secondary, Silulu Secondary, Longtom Secondary and Rockdale Primary.
For the new fiscal year 2026/27, the DoE allocated R1.9 billion towards infrastructure development. Of this amount, R301 million is directed towards projects targeting schools that require immediate intervention. These measures include the provision of mobile classrooms and temporary facilities while permanent solutions are being developed and implemented.

In addition, schools receive annual maintenance allocations amounting to approximately 13% of their operational budgets. School governing bodies are encouraged to ensure that these funds are utilised for their intended purpose, namely the maintenance, preservation and upkeep of school infrastructure.

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Masina said the infrastructure condition of all 1 628 public schools in the province has been assessed through the education facilities management system, a web-based platform used to assess, monitor and manage school infrastructure.

To accelerate the eradication of unsafe structures, the department has prioritised ten schools at which existing unsafe facilities will be demolished and replaced with eight new classrooms at each institution. These schools are Makgahlishe Primary, Matsamo Primary, Morei Primary, Legogote Primary, Chief SW Nhlapo Secondary, Mzinti Primary, Daniye Primary, Msinyane Primary, Schoemansdal Combined and Phopolo Primary.

Refurbishment projects will take place at Laerskool Badplaas, Klipspruit Combined, Nelsville Primary and Hlangalezwe Primary to ensure safer and more conducive teaching and learning environments.
Currently, five schools are under construction: Perdekop Secondary, Shanke Secondary, Khokhovela Primary, Chayaza Secondary and Sidlamafa Secondary. These projects are expected to be completed
in 2027.

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Other schools under construction starting this year are Volksrust Primary, Manyakatana Primary, Matlushe Primary and Mavimbela Primary School.
In addition, KwaJelusa Primary, Hluvukani Primary, Mabarhule Secondary and Saselani Primary are currently in the planning and design phase for upgrades.