The department of education in Mpumalanga is on a mission to revamp the province’s educational infrastructure with new schools while it refurbishes and provides maintenance to existing schools.
The minister of education in the province, Lindi Masina, said currently, four schools are under construction. These schools, Shanke Secondary School, Khokhovela Primary School, Chayaza Secondary School and Sidlamafa Secondary School are expected to be completed in 2027.
Construction has also commenced during the current financial year at Manyakatana Primary School, Matlushe and Mavimbela Primary Schools,Masina said, further expanding access to quality learning facilities in communities that require them.
“In addition,” Masina pointed out, “Kwajelusa and Hluvukani Primary Schools, Mabarhule Secondary School and Saselani Primary School are currently in the planning and design phase, bringing the Department closer to addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges.”
Addressing overcrowding remains a priority, particularly in rapidly growing towns and communities, Masina said. Consequently, the department is undertaking infrastructure projects involving the construction of new schools in high-demand areas.
Four new schools are currently nearing completion and will be ready for occupation during this year. These are“Langa Secondary School in Nkomazi, Silulu Secondary School in Nkomazi, Longtom Secondary School in Mashishing, Ext. 24 Rockdale Primary School in Steve Tshwete.
“Furthermore,” Masina continued, “Perdekop Secondary School in Volksrust is expected to be completed early next year, while construction of Phase Two of Volksrust Primary School is scheduled to commence during the current financial year.
“Looking ahead, three additional schools have been earmarked for planning and design during this financial year.”
These include a new primary school in White River within the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, as well as a new primary and secondary school in Siyanqoba within the Emalahleni Local Municipality.
At the beginning of the 2026 academic year, 81 schools suffered storm-related damage. In response, the Department reprioritised its infrastructure programme to accommodate the affected schools.
As a result, 42 storm-damaged schools are being repaired during the current financial year.
Masina said the Department can now confidently state that it has assessed the infrastructure condition of all 1 628 public schools in Mpumalanga through the Education Facilities Management System (EFMS), a web-based platform used to assess, monitor and manage school infrastructure across the province.
The Department has identified 61 schools that are classified as being in a very poor condition and requiring urgent intervention.
To address infrastructure backlogs and improve school facilities, the Department has allocated R1.9 billion towards infrastructure development during the current financial year.
Of this amount, R301 million has been specifically directed towards projects targeting schools requiring immediate attention.
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.
