Parliament, Thursday, 30 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has concluded its week-long oversight visit to Mpumalanga Province, where it assessed conditions affecting school infrastructure, learning, and teaching support materials, teaching professional development, governance, and early childhood development centres in the Ehlanzeni and Bohlabela education districts.
The oversight programme, conducted from 28 to 30 April, included visits to Matthews Phosa College, Msholozi Early Bird Day Care, Kamagugu Special School, Lekazi Central Secondary School, Silindokuhle Special School, Phambanisa Primary School, Nkomazi Siphumele Day Care Centre, Nkomazi High School, Mahhushe Agricultural School, and Tsakani Special School.
The committee noted progress although challenges are still there, especially in the areas of governance, infrastructure, and learner support. Members of the committee noted that while interventions are underway in certain areas, there is a need for improvement of coordination and implementation across the board.
Water supply challenges were identified as a key concern at several schools. The committee noted reports that some schools are forced to purchase water in order to maintain basic operations. Members emphasised that this is not sustainable and called for strengthened collaboration between the Department of Basic Education, the Mpumalanga Department of Education, and the local municipality to ensure reliable and uninterrupted water supply to affected schools.
Infrastructure related challenges were also evident, including classroom overcrowding, lack of maintenance, sanitation backlogs, lack of fencing, and lack of security.
Regarding the special schools for leaners with special needs, the committee noted limited boarding facilities, inaccessible class rooms, lack of necessary healthcare professionals and inaccessible roads. The committee said it was unfair for learners to miss school due to inaccessible roads and asked the department to provide a report within seven days on how it intends to help the affected learners catch-up with their syllabus.
The committee further noted governance and administrative challenges, including the need to strengthen oversight systems within schools and improve accountability mechanisms. Concerns were also raised regarding teaching and learning conditions, learner performance in certain subjects, staffing stability, and learner discipline. Members stressed the importance of sustained interventions for improved educational outcomes.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Joy Maimela, said: “What we have seen during this oversight visit reflects both progress in certain areas and challenges that still require attention. The key priority is to ensure that where there are gaps, they are addressed through coordinated and practical interventions.”
She added that oversight engagements are intended to strengthen collaboration and ensure follow-through on identified challenges. “Oversight is about ensuring that challenges are not only identified but also addressed in a way that improves service delivery and supports learners effectively,” concluded Ms Maimela.
The committee requested reports on all matters raised during the visit and will continue to monitor progress as part of its oversight mandate.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS JOY MAIMELA.
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