Following the announcement that the Umhlanga main day will be held on 8 September, questions are now being raised about whether schools will reopen as planned on 9 September, the very next day.
According to the official academic calendar, schools are scheduled to reopen on 9 September for the third term, which runs until 5 December. However, concerns have emerged from parents, teachers, and learners alike regarding the practicality of this date, given that young maidens who participate in Umhlanga traditionally return home the day after the main event.
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The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General, Lot Vilakati, expressed uncertainty over the reopening, citing the lack of clear communication from the Ministry of Education and the possible strain on learners and teachers.
“This leaves us without direction and unable to plan. No one has communicated anything to us about a possible postponement,” said Vilakati.
“When such incidents occur, the ministry typically postpones schools opening, which then disrupts the entire academic calendar.”
He added that a similar situation had occurred in a previous year and that any last-minute change affects the delivery and quality of education.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Home Affairs Communications Officer Mlandvo Dlamini clarified that their role was only to announce the holiday date, and deferred any updates on the academic calendar to the Ministry of Education and Training.
Gugu Masuku, Communications Officer for the education ministry, confirmed that they had recently been informed of the Umhlanga holiday and that ministry leadership would meet soon to decide on the best course of action.
“The matter will be addressed in due course,” she assured.
Until an official update is released, uncertainty remains around the planned school reopening date and how it may affect the academic calendar for the rest of the year.
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