THE ministry of education and training has ordered all public and private schools to cease operations during the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance week.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo made the announcement yesterday, saying the directive followed His Majesty King Mswati III’s official pronouncement regarding the national cultural ceremony.
Nxumalo cautioned all headteachers, school managers, administrators and other stakeholders that no schools should operate during the Umhlanga week.
He said the closure meant that schools were not allowed to conduct formal lessons, extra classes, morning tutorials or weekend study sessions during the specified period.
The minister said the Umhlanga Ceremony was a cornerstone of Emaswati culture and national identity and provided young people, particularly maidens known as Imbali, with an opportunity to participate in cultural activities, receive cultural education and benefit from mentorship.
“The ministry of education and training recognises that learning is not confined solely to the four walls of a classroom; participating in and respecting our cultural traditions is equally vital to the holistic development of our children,” Nxumalo said.
He further directed schools to ensure that learners participating in the ceremony were not disadvantaged academically.
According to Nxumalo, any tests, examinations or assignment deadlines scheduled for the Umhlanga week must be rescheduled for dates after the closure.
He stressed that no learner should be penalised for participating in national cultural duties.
The minister also said headteachers and parents had a responsibility to ensure the safety of all maidens attending the ceremony and that they were allowed to participate without fear of missing assessments or facing academic penalties.
Regional education officers (REOs) and school inspectors have been tasked with monitoring compliance across the country.
Nxumalo warned that schools found operating in violation of the directive would face appropriate disciplinary action.
He also called on parents, community leaders and transport operators to work with school authorities to ensure the safe travel and care of maidens as they participate in the ceremony.
Nxumalo urged all stakeholders to respect the king’s pronouncement, saying the closure would allow the country to preserve its cultural heritage while promoting the unity and cultural wellbeing of children.
