SCHOOLS REOPENING COULD BE POSTPONED DUE TO UMHLANGA

MBABANE – The Ministry of Education and Training is considering delaying the reopening of schools.

According to the adjusted calendar, schools are supposed to reopen on September 7, 2022. Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training Bhekithemba Gama said in view of the fact that some children were participating in the national Umhlanga Reed Dance, they were considering the postponement of schools reopening. “We have noticed that the Umhlanga Main Day is scheduled for September 5 and then schools reopen.”

Gama said they would look at how they could delay the reopening, to allow pupils who were attending boarding school enough time to rest and prepare. He said as a ministry, they were yet to meet and discuss the logistics surrounding the matter before they could make an official announcement. The PS stated that the announcement would be made before the end of this week.

Welcomed

Traditionalist Two Minutes Shongwe said the idea by government was welcomed. Shongwe said delaying of the schools reopening was a good suggestion that would be best for all, especially those children who would be attending the Reed Dance. “I am hoping that those in authority will come up with a decision that will be best for everyone as the idea is still being considered for now,” stated Shongwe. Swaziland Association of Schools Administratoors (SASA) Secretary General Siphasha Dlamini said they were ready to reopen schools as long as the pupils returned. She said the calendar activity that was communicated by the ministry had noted the reopening date and they would stick by the rule, unless there were changes made.
According to Dlamini, the year began in April, which meant that they needed to make use of the limited time at their disposal.  

Delay

Meanwhile, the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General, Sikelela Dlamini said they were not of the view of delaying the reopening of schools. The SNAT SG said they wanted pupils to be in class and for educators to teach. He said teachers would be in schools on Wednesday, ready to teach emaSwati children. This is not the first time government has delayed the reopening of schools as it was also postponed in June to July, to allow teachers and learners more days to rest. As per the 2022 calendar, schools had closed for the mid-term break of the first term on Thursday June 23, 2022. The extension of the mid-term break was announced by the Minister of Education and Training, Lady Mabuz,a following consultations with education stakeholders.

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