- Schools ordered to suspend all academic activities
- Tests, examinations and assignment deadlines to be moved
BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – School books will temporarily close and classrooms fall silent during Umhlanga week as Government moves to ensure that pupils, particularly maidens, can fully participate in one of Eswatini’s most important cultural events without worrying about missed lessons, tests or academic penalties.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has announced that all public and private schools must suspend formal teaching, extra classes, morning tutorials and weekend study sessions during the Umhlanga Reed Dance week.
The directive means schools will not be permitted to conduct any academic activities during the period, giving pupils an opportunity to participate in the national cultural ceremony without having to choose between their education and cultural responsibilities.
Nxumalo announced the decision during a press briefing in Mbabane, explaining that it followed a pronouncement by His Majesty King Mswati III.
Importantly for pupils and parents, the Ministry has also ordered schools to reschedule tests, examinations and assignment deadlines that may have been planned for the Umhlanga period.
This means no learner should return from participating in the ceremony only to discover that they have missed an assessment, examination or important academic deadline.
Nxumalo said the decision recognises Umhlanga not merely as a break from the classroom, but as an important cultural learning experience through which young people connect with their heritage, identity and values.
“Umhlanga is a cornerstone of Emaswati culture and national identity. It is a time for our youth, particularly our maidens, Imbali, to gather, celebrate our rich heritage and receive invaluable culture, education and mentorship,” said the Minister.
The Ministry has instructed head teachers, school managers, administrators and other education stakeholders to strictly observe the directive.
Nxumalo stressed that participation in national cultural activities should never disadvantage a learner academically, adding that culture forms part of the broader development and education of children.
For thousands of maidens expected to participate in Umhlanga, the announcement provides certainty that their participation will not come at the expense of their schoolwork.
It also places responsibility on schools to carefully reorganise their academic programmes so that teaching and assessment can resume smoothly once the cultural period has ended.
Head teachers and parents have further been encouraged to ensure that maidens who participate in Umhlanga are supported and allowed to do so safely and without fear of falling behind academically.
To ensure that the directive is followed, Regional Education Officers and school inspectors will monitor schools for compliance.
The Ministry has also appealed to parents, community leaders and transport operators to work closely with school authorities to promote the safe transportation and wellbeing of maidens travelling to participate in the ceremony.
The announcement is expected to remove uncertainty among parents and pupils over whether some schools could continue holding extra lessons or examinations while others observed the Umhlanga period.
By applying the directive to both public and private schools, Government is seeking to create a uniform approach across the education system.
The Ministry further encouraged all education stakeholders to respect His Majesty’s pronouncement and support efforts to preserve Eswatini’s cultural heritage while protecting the wellbeing and educational interests of children.
As the country prepares for Umhlanga, the Ministry wished all maidens a safe, fulfilling and memorable Reed Dance, describing the occasion as an important opportunity for young Emaswati to learn, participate and celebrate their national identity.
