The 2026 academic year in Eswatini officially began on Tuesday, January 27, following a strategic one-week postponement. This decision, made by the Ministry of Education and Training under the leadership of Minister Owen Nxumalo, aimed to allow for the rehabilitation of school infrastructure that had been severely impacted by hailstorms and heavy rains in late 2025 and early January 2026. These adverse weather conditions caused significant damage to classrooms, teachers' housing, and access roads, especially in areas like Mayiwane and Maphalaleni.
Though most schools have resumed operations, a placement crisis persists in urban centers such as Mbabane and Manzini. Schools with high demand, including KaBoyce and St. Mark’s High School, have reported an influx of last-minute registrations for Form I (Grade 8) students. This surge is largely attributed to increased urban migration, as many parents seek schools with more robust infrastructure capable of withstanding future weather events. Government officials are urging patience as they work to accommodate students in institutions that are still undergoing vital renovations.
To facilitate this transition, the government has prioritized the distribution of stationery and food supplies, ensuring that even remote districts are supported. However, teachers’ unions have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of overcrowded classrooms on the quality of education in the coming term. The Ministry remains committed to providing a safe learning environment, assuring that all registered learners will ultimately be placed, despite ongoing repairs to storm-damaged facilities.
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