Classes disrupted by community protest in Nkomzai

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

The learners at Siboshwa Primary School in Nkomazi Local Municipality spent six days at home after normal schooling was reportedly disrupted due to a community protest in the area.

Community members reportedly took to the streets to voice their demand for a new school.

As a result, the MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, Cathy Dlamini, held a meeting on Tuesday 21 January 2025 with representatives from the SGB(School Governing Body), members of the local community, and the school management team to iron out the concerns raised by residents.

According to a statement by the Department of Education, the meeting was fruitful and it allowed MEC Dlamini to present a comprehensive plan for the construction of a new school, which is scheduled to start in the 2026/2027 financial year following the required administrative process.

The Department also said that Dlamini highlighted the efforts to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure a conducive environment for learning and teaching at the school.

In her address during the meeting, the MEC called for constructive dialogue and urged communities to address concerns through available channels, instead of resorting to protests actions. Furthermore, Dlamini urged all stakeholders to collaborate for the benefit of the learners.

“ We must work together to ensure that our learners have the opportunity to focus on their education and achieve their academic goals. The disruption of classes not only affects the learners’ learning experience, but also hinders their ability to cover lost time,” said Dlamini.

The Department said classes will resume at the school, after the MEC reached an agreement with community members to allow learners to go back to school.