MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Ministry of Education and Training in Eswatini has issued a firm warning to all schools, including privately owned and international institutions, to adhere strictly to the revised reopening date of September 16 for the third and final leg of the 2025 academic calendar.
The directive was announced by Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, during a press briefing held September 3.
He emphasized that the postponement from the initially scheduled September 9 reopening was necessary due to ongoing national events.
Among these national events are the Eswatini International Trade Fair, which began on August 29 and ends on September 7, and the Umhlanga Reed Dance, a significant cultural ceremony that began on September 2, with its final day set for Monday, September 8.
Minister Nxumalo made it clear that no schools are exempt from the directive whether private, public, or international and warned of consequences for institutions that defy the ministry’s instructions.
“Schools, whether privately owned or not, that operate in the country should heed this directive.
“We have since learned that some schools intend to reopen early, but that would be in violation of our national policy,” he stated.
The Minister added that the deferment also allows all students, including those participating in national events, to return to school without disruption.
Accompanying the Minister at the press briefing were Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi, Director of Education Dr. Fortunate Mngometulu, and Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools Dr. Cebsile Nxumalo.
“For now, the initial schools calendar still stands. If needed, the ministry will review it before the end of the term on December 5,” Nxumalo concluded.
The Ministry’s firm stance reflects its commitment to ensuring educational continuity while respecting cultural and national observances that define Eswatini as a nation.
