Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms Linda Masina, on Tuesday 6 January 2026 launched the 2026 Back to School Campaign at Mathupa Primary School in Marite, reaffirming the department’s commitment to ensuring that every learner is placed in a school by the end of January.

Addressing parents, guardians and community members, MEC Masina acknowledged that while not all learners may be placed by the official reopening date of 14 January, the department is working to ensure that no child is left behind. To date, more than 1.3 million learners have been successfully placed across the province, with approximately 9 826 learners still awaiting placement.

The department has established a dedicated help desk to assist parents with placement queries and appeals, as part of efforts to streamline the process and reduce anxiety ahead of the new academic year.

As part of measures to address overcrowding and infrastructure challenges, the Mpumalanga Department of Education has procured 130 mobile classrooms. These will be deployed to schools experiencing high learner numbers, particularly in areas under pressure due to migration to urban centres.

MEC Masina also announced that furniture has been secured for 342 schools across the province. In addition, the department has committed to repairing damages caused by recent floods before schools reopen on 14 January. Where extensive damage has occurred, assessments will be conducted, but alternative arrangements will be made to ensure that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.

“Our wish for 2026 is that it should be the year of growth, academic progress, safety and success for every learner and household in the province,” said Masina.

She further called on parents and communities to play an active role in supporting education and creating safe, supportive environments for learners.

The launch event also saw private sector support, with Old Mutual donating 50 pairs of school shoes to learners at Mathupa Primary School, adding a boost to the back-to-school drive in the Bushbuckridge area.