MINISTER TOLASHE CHAMPIONS LEARNER WELLBEING DURING BACK-TO-SCHOOL VISIT TO EMAKHAZENI BOARDING SCHOOL

By Tholakele Makena and Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Ministerial focus on learner protection and wellbeing as a shared responsibility between government, schools, families, and communities at the start of the academic year.
• Operational and enrolment challenges at Emakhazeni Boarding School, including lower-than-planned learner numbers, staffing constraints, and infrastructure limitations.
• Encouraging academic progress despite constraints, with improvements in Grade 12 performance and continued positive learner outcomes.

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, led a Back-to-School Campaign visit to Emakhazeni Boarding School in the Emakhazeni Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, on Wednesday, 22 January 2026. The visit formed part of government’s ongoing efforts to support learner wellbeing, promote child protection, and strengthen education support at the start of the 2026 academic year.

The engagement was undertaken as part of the national Back-to-School Campaign, designed to foster safe and supportive learning environments, encourage learner attendance, and enhance collaboration among government, educational institutions, parents, and communities. During the visit, the Minister conferred with school management, educators, the School Governing Body, and learners to evaluate the school’s preparedness for the academic year and to discuss the support requirements of students.

Addressing stakeholders, Minister Tolashe emphasised the importance of cooperation among all role players in responding to challenges within existing resource constraints. She noted that, while no additional funding was anticipated, it remained essential to assess how schools are utilising available resources, understand the challenges they face, and explore collaborative approaches to address them. The Minister reaffirmed government’s mandate to ensure that learners who access schooling are adequately supported to complete their education and are prepared for future opportunities.

The Minister further expressed concern about the declining prioritisation of education within communities and the increasing pressure placed on educators. She stressed that teachers should not be expected to perform roles beyond their professional responsibilities, such as law enforcement, and underscored the need for families, communities, and existing structures to work together to safeguard learners and promote child protection. She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to continued engagement in Mpumalanga, noting that the visit marked the beginning of an ongoing working relationship focused on jointly identifying challenges and strengthening cooperation.

During the engagement, the Principal of Emakhazeni Boarding School, Mr Dumis Israel Mtshali, presented an overview of the school’s profile and operational status. He indicated that the school became operational and officially opened in January 2015, and that it serves an area with a relatively low population, which has had a direct impact on learner enrolment.
Mr Mtshali reported that the school had planned to enrol 1,040 learners for the 2026 academic year; however, current enrolment stands at 753 learners. He noted that the loss of three educators in the previous year posed operational challenges. He further indicated that the Grade R cohort for 2026 comprises 32 learners, raising concerns about future enrolment at senior secondary level.

The Principal addressed the school’s ongoing challenges related to staffing and infrastructure. He reported an increase in the number of educators from 23 to 30, noting that some positions are not funded by the Department. Furthermore, the school is experiencing a shortage of classrooms, necessitating the use of laboratories for standard instruction. Additionally, certain shower facilities remain closed as a result of water leaks stemming from structural damage in buildings constructed in 2015.

Although financial resources are limited, the school is implementing measures to address critical needs. Mr Mtshali reported that the allocation of available funds has been directed towards essential requirements, such as procuring a washing machine and repairing a damaged geyser by the end of January. He further observed that, notwithstanding these constraints, the school has achieved improvements in Grade 12 performance and continues to support learners in attaining positive academic results.