BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has confirmed that all systems are in place for the opening of schools for the 2026 academic calendar, with learning set to begin as scheduled across the country.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Ministry’s offices, Nxumalo said Government had resolved to proceed with the school opening despite ongoing deliveries of school stationery and the rehabilitation of classrooms damaged by recent heavy rains, particularly in the Hhohho Region.
“Schools will open as planned. Government is continuing with the hiring of teachers to ensure stability in teaching and learning,” the Minister said.
He explained that while rehabilitation work is still underway in some affected schools, arrangements have been made to ensure that unaffected classrooms continue with lessons as Microprojects and other partners work to restore damaged infrastructure.
The Minister also addressed private schools, reminding them to adhere to Government directives regarding the academic calendar. He noted that although a postponement of the opening date had been issued last week due to weather conditions, some private schools proceeded to open against the directive.
“We would like to caution against that. We understand that private schools have their own calendars, but we request that they follow what the Ministry orders in the interest of uniformity and learner safety,” Nxumalo said.
He added that the Principal Secretary has been instructed to compile formal invitation letters to private schools for a meeting aimed at aligning operations and reinforcing cooperation between Government and private education providers.
According to the Ministry, at least 10 schools in the Hhohho Region were completely destroyed by recent storms. However, a flexible approach has been adopted, allowing unaffected classes to continue learning while rehabilitation progresses.
Meanwhile, Government leadership continues to actively monitor and respond to the impact of the rains. Last Friday, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini toured several communities in the northern Hhohho Region to assess damage to infrastructure, homes, roads and bridges. During the tour, the Prime Minister engaged affected residents and directed relevant departments to accelerate emergency interventions, particularly in areas where access has been disrupted.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, working alongside the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), has also been on the ground conducting assessments and coordinating relief efforts. NDMA reports indicate that while significant damage has occurred to roads, bridges, schools and homesteads in parts of Hhohho and other regions, response teams have been deployed to prioritise safety, accessibility and restoration of essential services.
As schools reopen, Government has acknowledged that some communities remain temporarily inaccessible due to damaged bridges. Parents, learners and school authorities have been encouraged to prioritise safety, with authorities continuing to work on restoring access routes as quickly as possible.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent weather conditions, Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding education, supporting affected communities and ensuring that learning continues with minimal disruption.
