Mbombela (Nelspruit) – It is all systems go in Mpumalanga for the Department of Education ahead of next week’s kick-off of the 2025 academic calendar.
At the launch of the annual school cleaning campaign “Rhanxa Xikolo Xa Wena” in Mbombela earlier this week, Mpumalanga Education MEC Cathy Dlamini led the way.
With a broom in hand, MEC Dlamini participated in the clean-up campaign, Rhanxa Xikolo Xa Wena, named in the xiTsonga language, which simply means “like your school”.
The Rhanxa Xikolo Xa Wena campaign encourages parents and other stakeholders to team up by rolling up their sleeves and cleaning schools ahead of next week’s opening.
“As we prepare for the school reopening next week, the department is making a clarion call to all members of the School Governing Bodies, School Management Teams, and parents to start preparations for the successful and seamless commencement of the 2025 school year,” MEC Dlamini said.
“This is a time of the year for collective action and renewed commitment to ensuring our schools are ready to provide the best possible environment for learning and teaching.”
MEC Dlamini added: “In line with the Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena campaign, the department is encouraging School Governing Bodies to invite parents and community members to actively volunteer in efforts to improve the atmosphere of their respective schools.”
She said her department had already completed the procurement of study materials.
“The department has procured and delivered learner stationery for 2025 in all schools by December 2024 as well as textbooks for all grade 12 learners,” MEC Dlamini said.
“Equally, the department has procured African Language Readers for 890 primary schools.
“The stationery must be given to all deserving learners as expected. Principals must assist in ensuring this.”
MEC Dlamini said there won’t be any instances where learners will not be issued with the necessary stationery.
“There must be no costs attached to the issuing of stationery by schools,” MEC Dlamini said.
“All efforts should form an integral part of the 2025 back-to-school programme setting the stage for an exciting, productive year.”
