The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has officially announced that the reopening of schools has been rescheduled.
While students were originally set to return to their classrooms on January 20, the commencement of the 2026 academic year will now take place on Monday, January 27.
This decision comes as a response to several logistical and environmental challenges.
Currently, many educational institutions across the country are still processing student registrations.
The one-week extension is intended to give administrators and parents sufficient time to finalize admissions, ensuring that all learners are properly enrolled before the curriculum begins.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted the impact of recent weather conditions as a major factor in the delay. Heavy rainfall has resulted in structural damage at various schools, creating safety concerns that must be addressed.
This postponement allows the government and school boards to assess the infrastructure and carry out necessary repairs to ensure that facilities are safe and ready to accommodate students.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to use this period to complete any remaining preparations for the school year. Nxumalo stressed that this adjustment is essential for a smooth and safe transition back to the classroom for both teachers and learners.
