Mpumalanga Education Department to Repair 83 Storm-Damaged Schools

The Mpumalanga Department of Education has announced plans to repair 83 schools damaged by last year’s heavy storms. The initiative, part of the 2025 back-to-school campaign, will also involve a unique collaboration with parolees to refurbish broken furniture.

Speaking at the campaign launch at Phatfwa Secondary School in Mbombela, MEC Cathy Dlamini acknowledged the extensive damage caused by storms in 2024.

“Our records indicate that at least 83 schools were affected. A process to fix these has commenced, and we urge school governing bodies and communities to bear with us where projects are yet to start,” said Dlamini.

The department has already initiated repairs and pledged to expedite the process to ensure learning environments are restored.

To address the shortage of school furniture, the department is tapping into an innovative solution by partnering with the Department of Correctional Services. Parolees will utilize skills learned in prison to refurbish broken school furniture.

“As part of their community service, parolees will assist in fixing broken furniture. This initiative reflects their reintegration into society while addressing critical needs in schools,” said departmental spokesperson Gerald Sambo.

In addition to furniture repairs, parolees will contribute to other community-oriented projects, including cleaning schools and establishing vegetable and floral gardens.

The department emphasized the importance of partnerships between schools, communities, and government to enhance the learning environment.

“We call on communities and school governing bodies to support these efforts. Together, we can overcome challenges and improve education for our children,” Dlamini added.

The 2025 back-to-school campaign underscores the Mpumalanga Education Department’s commitment to creating conducive learning environments. Through infrastructure repairs and innovative partnerships, the department is addressing challenges head-on, ensuring that learners receive the education they deserve.

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