Mpumalanga Department of Education

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

Mpumalanga Sets Sights on an 85% Throughput Rate

While tabling the 2026/27 Policy and Budget Vote No. 7, MEC for Education, Ms. Lindi Masina, announced the Department's bold target of increasing the provincial learner throughput rate to 85% over the next five years.

"Our current throughput rate stands at 76.5%, meaning that the majority of learners who enter the schooling system successfully progress through the grades and reach Grade 12 with their age cohort.

This achievement reflects our commitment to ensuring that learners remain in school, succeed academically, and are afforded every opportunity to realise their full potential.

It is also a significant milestone in advancing the aspirations of the National Development Plan 2030.

As we celebrate this achievement, we recognise that there is still more work to be done. The Department has set an ambitious target of increasing the throughput rate to 85% over the next five years.

To realise this goal, we will continue to strengthen school management, support functional schools, work closely with School Governing Bodies and parents, and conduct regular evaluations to improve learner and school performance.

Importantly, we remain committed to supporting learners through key social interventions, including No-Fee Schools, the National School Nutrition Programme, Scholar Transport, and State-Funded Boarding Schools.

Loku kusho ukuthi izingane zethu zihlala esikoleni, zithole ukwesekwa okufanele, futhi zifinyelele eBangeni le-12 ngesikhathi esifanele. Kuyimpumelelo enkulu okufanele siyigubhe sonke njengomphakathi waseMpumalanga.

Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and successful education system for the future of Mpumalanga

A Department at work for all!


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19/06/2026

MEC Masina Calls on School Leaders to Shape the Future Through Transformative Leadership

Addressing the South African Principals' Association (SAPA) Provincial Conference under the theme "Forward Future Leadership", MEC Masina challenged school leaders to embrace visionary, ethical, and transformative leadership that delivers meaningful results for learners.

The MEC commended SAPA for creating a platform that promotes professional growth, collaboration, and leadership development, describing principals as the driving force behind quality education and improved learner outcomes.

She emphasised that strong leadership is the foundation of safe, disciplined, inclusive, and high-performing schools, urging principals to champion academic excellence, strengthen reading with understanding, improve Mathematics and Science performance, and effectively utilise digital systems to enhance accountability and decision-making.

Reflecting on the Department's 2026/27 priorities, MEC Masina reaffirmed the commitment to improving learner performance, expanding access to Early Childhood Development, strengthening literacy and numeracy, enhancing Grade 12 results, and ensuring accountability across the education system.

While celebrating the remarkable 86.55% NSC pass rate achieved by the Class of 2025, she reminded delegates that the province must now strive towards its ambitious target of a 91% pass rate, with improved outcomes in STEM subjects.

"The future of education in Mpumalanga will not be determined in boardrooms, but in schools under your leadership. Lead with purpose, inspire excellence, uphold integrity, and deliver results for every learner."

A Department at work for all!

19/06/2026

Luyanda Ndlozi Receives Resounding Applause from the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.

A moment of immense pride and inspiration echoed through the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature as Members of the House responded with resounding applause in honour of Luyanda Ndlozi, one of the province's most outstanding academic achievers.

While tabling the 2026/27 Policy and Budget Speech, MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025, whose impressive 86.55% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate examinations laid a strong foundation for even greater success.

"Improving learner performance remains at the heart of our mandate.
Our target is to achieve a 91% pass rate across the board, while strengthening performance in STEM subjects," said the MEC.

She described the Class of 2025 as a cohort that exceeded expectations and demonstrated the resilience, determination and transformative power of education.

As a shining example of this excellence, the MEC invited Luyanda Ndlozi to the Legislature as her special guest.

Luyanda was recognised as the top-performing learner in Mpumalanga and was also named the best learner among Quintile 2 schools in South Africa.

Now pursuing a degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Cape Town on a full Telkom bursary, Luyanda's journey is a powerful testament to the opportunities that quality education can unlock.

"She is our engineer in the making, a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for learners across our province," said MEC Masina.

When called upon to stand, the Legislature erupted into warm and enthusiastic applause, recognising not only Luyanda's extraordinary achievement but also the promise of a generation determined to shape a brighter future.

Her story serves as a reminder that excellence can emerge from every corner of our province and that with dedication, support and opportunity, our learners can reach the highest heights.

This version captures the significance of the moment without overstating it, while maintaining a celebratory and inspirational tone.

19/06/2026

MEC Masina Commits to Achieving a 91% Pass Rate Across All Grades

Tabling the 2026/27 Policy and Budget Speech, the MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, reaffirmed the Department's commitment to improving learner outcomes and raising educational standards across the province.

"Improving learner performance remains at the heart of our mandate.
Our target is to achieve a 91% pass rate across all grades, while strengthening performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects."

The MEC noted that this ambitious target is built on the strong foundation laid by the Class of 2025, which achieved an impressive 86.55% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate examinations.

"The Class of 2025 exceeded expectations and demonstrated the resilience, determination and potential of our learners, educators and school communities.

Their achievement affirms that sustained investment and focused support can yield remarkable results."

To accelerate improvement, the Department has implemented the 2026 Learner Improvement Plan, which classifies any school performing below 80% as underperforming and requiring targeted intervention and support.

In support of this goal, the Department has allocated R60.7 million towards programmes aimed at improving learner performance, enhancing teaching and learning, and ensuring that every learner has an opportunity to succeed.

We are determined to build an education system that delivers excellence, closes performance gaps and equips our learners with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Together, we will raise achievement levels and move closer to our vision of quality education for all."

18/06/2026

One team. One nation. One dream. 🇿🇦

The journey continues for Bafana Bafana.

Keep believing and keep fighting!

18/06/2026

MEC Lindi Masina Pledges to Intensify the Attainment of Education Priorities

Tabling the 2026/27 Policy and Budget Vote, Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms. Lindi Masina, reaffirmed the Department's commitment to accelerating the delivery of quality education and improving learner outcomes across the province.

Addressing the Provincial Legislature, MEC Masina emphasized that the Department remains firmly guided by the priorities of the 7th Administration, which include:

Expanding access to Early Childhood Development (ECD),

Strengthening learner competency in Reading, Languages and Mathematics
Improving Grade 12 results and the quality of passes,

Accelerating school infrastructure development and digital learning technologies,

Ensuring accountability for poor performance across the education system
At the heart of these priorities are the 1.2 million learners of Mpumalanga, whose success remains the Department's foremost responsibility.

MEC Masina recognised Lindokuhle Ndimande, a Grade 12 learner from Siyifunile Secondary School in Dullstroom, as a symbol of the resilience, determination and aspirations of thousands of rural learners across the province.

"Lindokuhle represents the hopes and dreams of many young people who continue to rise above challenges through hard work, courage and belief in the transformative power of education," said MEC Masina.

The MEC further reaffirmed the Department's commitment to ensuring that every learner learns, every teacher teaches, every school functions optimally, and that no child is left behind.

Through strengthened monitoring of teaching and learning, as well as the Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena Campaign, the Department continues to mobilise communities, stakeholders and the business sector to create safe, supportive and conducive learning environments.

She further expressed appreciation to government partners, law enforcement agencies and communities for their collective efforts in promoting school safety and creating learning spaces free from crime, drugs, bullying and corporal punishment.

Together, we are building a learner-centred education system that empowers every child to realise their full potential and advances the future of the Place of the Rising Sun.

A Department at work for all!

18/06/2026

Policy & Budget Speech Vote 11 2026/27

17/06/2026

The MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, will table the 2026/27 Policy and Budget Speech on Thursday, 18 June 2026, at the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, commencing at 14H15.

This important occasion provides an opportunity for the Legislature and stakeholders to reflect on the progress made in implementing the 2025/26 programmes and initiatives, while outlining the Department’s priorities, commitments and plans for the 2026/27 financial year.

It is a moment to celebrate achievements, confront challenges and reaffirm our collective commitment to delivering quality education for every learner across the Place of the Rising Sun.

Members of the public are encouraged to follow the proceedings live on Ikwekwezi FM, Ligwalagwala FM, Radio Pulpit, and through live crossings on Rise FM.

The speech will also be streamed live on the Mpumalanga Department of Education page, as well as the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.

The entire provincial school community, including learners, educators, parents, school governing bodies and stakeholders is invited to tune in and be part of this significant milestone as we shape a brighter future for education in Mpumalanga.

Together, we are building an inclusive, innovative and high-performing education system that empowers every learner to realise their full potential.

A Department at work for all!

16/06/2026

In Her Own Words :Limitless Dreams

Lindokuhle a Grade 12 learner from Siyifunile Secondary School in Dullstroom, Emakhazeni Local Municipality, the path to success starts with determination and a belief that education can transform lives.

Armed with big dreams, a passion for Mathematics, Science and Robotics, and supported by technology-driven learning, Lindokuhle is proving that talent knows no geography and that rural learners are shaping the future of the Place of the Rising Sun!

This is more than a story about one learner. It is a story of hope, opportunity and the power of education to unlock human potential.

"My dreams know no distance. My background does not define me. Education is helping me build the future I once only imagined."

A Department at work for all!