The MEC for education, Lindi Masina, said that nearly all districts have finalised school admissions, with a small percentage of learners remaining in fast-growing towns like Mbombela, Emalahleni, Mashishing, Steve Tshwete and Secunda. She was speaking during the 2026 Back-to-School Campaign that was launched at Mathupa Primary School on Tuesday, January 6.

Masina said current statistics indicate that there are 9 826 learners that still need to be placed. This number is made up of 2 195 in the Ehlanzeni District, 269 in Bohlabela, 3 917 in Gert Sibande and 3 714 in Nkangala.

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“We have observed continued migration from rural to urban areas, resulting in increased pressure on schools in certain towns. We have also seen increases in applications outside feeder zones and occasional refusal of placement where space does exist,” she explained. “These factors have led to the identification of high-pressure or hotspot areas, where the demand for space exceeds the available capacity.”

The campaign urges Mpumalanga communities to support their schools and ensure all learners return in January 2026, ready to learn from day one. The Department of Education (DoE) says community involvement helps build pride, shared purpose, and a sustainable culture of collaboration.

Masina said education support materials remain one of the DoE’s most critical priorities.

“Our commitment is that no learner should be deprived of learning support due to administrative delays,” she said.

Addressing furniture challenges at local schools, the MEC said the DoE conducted an assessment of shortages across the province in 2025. New furniture was procured and delivered to 342 schools, benefitting 20 310 learners.

During the 2025 calendar year, a total of 221 schools were earmarked for maintenance and renovations. “Of these, 77 schools have been completed, including Mathupa Primary School. This represents meaningful progress, as more classrooms are now available to support education.”

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Regarding the construction of new schools, Masina said that persistent rainfall has slowed work at some sites, including Long Tom Secondary School, Ilanga Secondary School, Silulu Secondary School and the new Sidlamafa Secondary School, among others.

To ease overcrowding and respond to storm-damaged infrastructure, the DoE has procured 130 mobile classrooms.
About 28 schools in the province were recently damaged by severe weather. Masina said officials are on the ground conducting assessments and co-ordinating repairs.