By: Tumelo Lebambo

Bushbuckridge – The Mpumalanga Department of Education has moved swiftly to address school infrastructure challenges and overcrowding by procuring 130 mobile classrooms, which will be deployed to affected schools ahead of the 2026 academic year.

The intervention was announced by MEC for Education Ms Lindi Masina during the official launch of the 2026 Back to School Programme at Mathupa Primary School in Bushbuckridge on Tuesday (6/01/2026). “Sadly, just last week, 28 schools in our province suffered severe storm damage.

Our officials are already on the ground, conducting assessments and coordinating repairs so that learners are not disadvantaged,” Masina said.She added that the mobile classrooms will also assist in easing overcrowding, particularly in high-pressure areas where learner numbers continue to increase due to migration to urban centres.

With schools reopening on 14 January 2026, Masina called on school governing bodies to ensure that schools are clean, safe and fully prepared for teaching and learning despite persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the province.“It is essential that schools are ready to start learning and teaching on the very first day,” she said.School governing bodies were urged to ensure classrooms are thoroughly cleaned, furniture and learning resources are arranged, hazards are reported, and stationery and textbooks are issued on time.

The department further confirmed that learner admissions for the 2026 academic year are nearing completion, with approximately 1.03 million learners expected to attend schools across Mpumalanga.While 9,826 learners still require placement, mainly in fast-growing towns, Masina assured parents that admission committees at provincial, district and circuit levels are working to ensure every learner is accommodated.“Our message is clear: every child of school-going age must be admitted, and no learner must be left outside the classroom,” she said.

The department also reported strong progress in the delivery of learning and teaching support materials, with stationery already delivered to all schools. Mpumalanga has achieved 95% textbook coverage, supported by additional top-up deliveries and ongoing digital learning initiatives.“The intention is that learners must arrive at school on 14 January ready to learn and not wait for materials,” Masina said.

For the 2026 academic year, the department has approved 32,103 educator posts, including extensions for temporary and substitute teachers to ensure continuity and stability in schools.Learner support programmes continue The National School Nutrition Programme will continue from the first day of school, benefiting learners in quintile 1 to 3 schools. More than 67,000 learners will benefit from scholar transport services, with safety standards closely monitored.“It must be everyone’s responsibility to ensure that learners are transported safely to and from school,” Masina said.

Call for partnership and shared responsibility Concluding her address, Masina called on parents, communities and school leadership to support schools and learners throughout the academic year.“When communities work together, schools progress,” she said.“No child must be left behind, no school must be neglected, and no dream must be denied.”