Several schools located along the country’s borderline are recording alarmingly low enrolment, with some institutions operating with as few as 20 pupils despite having more than nine teachers on staff.
Information gathered from Shiselweni Regional Education Officer Siboniso Gumbi indicates that schools including Mozane Primary, Machobeni Primary, Chibidze Primary, Dvudvusini Primary, Bethlehem Primary and Masiphula High School — among others situated near the Lavumisa Border Post — are among the most affected.
In some grades, there are only one or two pupils, while others have at least five learners.
Gumbi confirmed that the matter has been communicated to the Ministry of Education and consultations with parents are underway.
The sharp decline in enrolment is largely attributed to pupils crossing into South Africa to attend schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
Families living close to the borderline say access to schools in the neighbouring province has been easier for many children, as they do not require study permits.
In some communities, pupils use informal crossings daily to reach schools across the border. Others rent small flats or share accommodation in groups during the school term to avoid daily commuting.
Parents have cited several reasons behind the shift, including school fees, distance and concerns about employment prospects after completion of studies.
Nomcebo Dlamini, a mother of three from Masiphula, said the cost of education locally had pushed some families to consider alternatives.
“For many of us who are unemployed or surviving on small businesses, the school fees this side are high and when parents compare with some schools across the border, they feel it is more manageable,” she said.
She added that families often weigh the financial strain against perceived benefits, particularly in households with more than one child in school.
Sibusiso Hlatshwayo from Machobeni said employment prospects also influence decisions.
“Even after finishing school locally, many young people remain unemployed, so some parents believe that taking their children to South African schools may improve their chances of finding work later,” he said.
Hlatshwayo emphasised that the issue was not necessarily about rejecting local schools, but about seeking better opportunities in an environment where jobs are scarce.
For Thandeka Nsibande, who resides near the Lavumisa boundary, proximity plays a decisive role.
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She explained that, in some cases, South African schools are closer than local institutions. As a result, children cross through informal points daily, while others rent small flats and stay together for convenience.
Daily transport to some local schools can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for families without reliable income. Nsibande said they pay E400 in school fees compared to significantly higher amounts locally.
The enrolment imbalance has created a peculiar situation where some schools operate far below capacity while maintaining full teaching staff complements. Classrooms that once accommodated dozens of learners now have only a handful.
Community members have raised concerns that the issue extends beyond financial implications. The trend threatens the long-term sustainability of rural border schools and raises questions about equitable access to education.
The situation also touches on the country’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
While some parents believe cross-border schooling offers better prospects or convenience, others worry about the safety of children using informal crossings and living unsupervised in rented accommodation.
