The Ministry of Education and Training has directed that all schools in Eswatini close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week.
Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo announced the directive at the Ministry offices on Friday afternoon.
He said no formal classes, extra lessons, morning tutorials or weekend study sessions will be conducted during the week. “The directive applies to both public and private schools,” said Nxumalo. 
Nxumalo said the closure is intended to allow learners, particularly maidens, to participate fully in the national cultural event without academic pressure.
He said any tests, examinations or assignment deadlines scheduled for the week will be rescheduled to subsequent dates.
During the press briefing, Nxumalo said the Ministry had received reports that some schools had summoned learners to attend classes for revision and studying during Umhlanga week.
He acknowledged the efforts of teachers in providing extra lessons. “We first want to appreciate teachers for their effort in making sure learners get extra lessons and come out with good results. Their work is strongly commendable,” Nxumalo said.
He, however, stated that all schools, whether private or government, are required to close for the duration of Umhlanga week.
“This is intended to help girl maidens attend to His Majesty King Mswati III’s duties, which is the Umhlanga Ceremony starting from Tuesday,” he said.
The minister called for cooperation from school heads, teachers, parents and learners. He directed Regional Education Officers (REO) to ensure compliance in all regions.
“I am asking Regional Education Officers to ensure that in every region no school is hosting lessons,” Nxumalo said.
The ministry said it will monitor adherence to the directive and will issue a circular confirming the adjustment of the academic calendar, including new dates for postponed assessments.
Nxumalo also addressed the transportation of learners during the week. He advised bus drivers who will be transporting girl maidens for Umhlanga, starting from Tuesday, to drive carefully and transport the maidens safely.
The minister said road safety is a priority given the increased movement of learners to Ludzidzini Royal Village during the ceremony.
Nxumalo said the closure will enable learners to gain from participation in Umhlanga. “This will also help learners learn a lot from Umhlanga as it is part of our culture,” he said.
He stated that the week provides an opportunity for learners to engage in the cultural ceremony, which forms part of national heritage.
The minister said the adjustment to the school calendar is necessary to avoid conflict between academic activities and the national event.
The directive means that teaching and learning activities will be suspended for the week. Schools that had scheduled extra lessons, tutorials or assessments will be required to adjust their programmes.
Umhlanga is an annual cultural ceremony led by His Majesty King Mswati III. Thousands of maidens from across the country participate in the event held at Ludzidzini Royal Village.
The ceremony involves several days of activities, including the gathering and presentation of reeds. Participation requires time away from school for many learners.
In previous years, concerns have been raised about schools continuing with academic activities during the ceremony week. The ministry’s directive seeks to standardise the approach across all schools.
The minister said the ministry recognises the importance of academic performance but also the role of cultural participation in the development of learners.
The Minister urged all stakeholders to support the directive to ensure smooth participation in the ceremony.
