THE bell will ring again next Wednesday as schools are set to reopen for the third and final term of the 2026 academic year.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training Naniki Mnisi said schools would re-open on Wednesday so as to allow those who reside in hostels at boarding schools to arrive and settle in on Tuesday.
She clarified that they could not afford to postpone schools re-opening this term and would, therefore, stick to the academic calendar, which states that schools should re-open on September 8.
The PS noted that since Monday might be a public holiday, schools would open on Wednesday as they were cognisant of the possible holiday.
She wished learners, teachers and school administrators a vibrant third term, with lots of positive energy. She said the ministry would ensure that food was delivered before the end of the month and ensure the timely pay-out of free primary education (FPE) and orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) grants for the smooth operation of schools.
“We foresee a few glitches, but we are giving our attention to all such issues. Learners are keen to return to school to catch up or engage in remedial learning activities in preparation for the final examinations which will determine their academic progress,” she said.
She said they were aware that the school calendar states that schools would open next Tuesday, but they would not penalise schools that opened shortly after the reed dance, as the very important cultural event had been celebrated.
Mnisi added that they had observed in the past that learners return to school for the third term, while other activities such as Shiselweni Umhlanga continue.
For those attending the Shiselweni Umhlanga, she said, special arrangements would be made for their return to school immediately after the ceremony.
“We also want to congratulate Their Majesties on the huge turnout of Imbali for Umhlanga. Bayethe, Wena Waphakathi,” she said.
