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Learning and teaching have resumed at Siboshwa Primary School in Sibayeni after disruptions caused by community protests demanding the school’s reconstruction.
On January 20, residents from villages under the late Chief Siboshwa Ngomane protested, leading to the closure of the R571 road. They insisted the provincial government rebuild the dilapidated school, originally built in 1956 with poles and mud.
Mxolisi Mabuza, chairperson of Umbutho we Bahlali, said the community had been calling for a new school since 2019, when the education department first promised funds for construction. In 2020, makeshift container classrooms were installed, but they are now damaged and misused by criminals, drug addicts, and the homeless.
In response, Education MEC Cathy Dlamini visited Nkomazi on January 22 to meet with community stakeholders. Department spokesperson Gerald Sambo said Dlamini presented a detailed plan for a new school, scheduled for construction in the 2026/27 financial year.
Dlamini urged the community to use dialogue over protests to resolve concerns. Following her assurances, students returned to class, and the community welcomed the government’s renewed commitment.
