Mpumalanga implementation response to Committee Oversight recommendations; P20 Youth Parliament Report; Committee APP (with Deputy Minister)

Video The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education received an updated report from the Mpumalanga Department of Education on its implementation of recommendations arising from oversight visits to schools and early childhood development centres. It also adopted two sets of minutes, its report on the P20 Youth Parliament recommendations with amendments, the fourth-term programme and the revised Annual Performance Plan (APP) and budget, subject to amendments. Members welcomed the APP’s emphasis on assessing the implementation and impact of recommendations but identified incomplete targets, inconsistent oversight responsibilities and budget calculation errors. They requested corrections, clearer alignment with education priorities and evidence to support claims about the Committee’s contribution to outcomes. Oversight findings and required outcomes would be incorporated into the Committee’s dashboard to support regular follow-up. The Mpumalanga Department reported progress in educator registration and vetting, appointments, school governance training, learning material provision, academic support and infrastructure interventions. However, water supply, sanitation, learner transport and infrastructure challenges remained unresolved at several institutions. It reported that severe weather had affected 81 schools, with 41 sustaining substantial damage, and that approximately R322 million had been secured for interventions. Members acknowledged the improved report but stressed that reported activities did not demonstrate that problems had been resolved. They called for evidence of completed work, funded implementation plans, measurable targets and clear deadlines. Particular concerns included the deferral of urgent roof repairs, fencing and sanitation projects to later financial years; unreliable municipal services; unsafe access roads; and lengthy journeys for learners with disabilities. The Committee also questioned procurement controls following the delivery of incorrect learning materials, the effectiveness of school governing body training, progress in financial misconduct cases and accountability for recurring governance failures. Members sought evidence of improved mathematics results, comprehensive educator vetting and adequate support for special schools. They requested school-level expenditure and progress reports on disaster repairs and clearer agreements with municipalities on water and sanitation. The Department explained that infrastructure priorities and existing commitments constrained project scheduling, while the diversion of maintenance funding to disaster repairs had increased the maintenance backlog. It planned to accommodate affected learners from Hazyview at Silindokuhle Special School from 2027 and address learner transport gaps during the school recess. Stationery delivery was targeted for November 2026 and textbook top-ups for January 2027. The March 2027 vetting deadline applied to all schools, including independent schools. The Department undertook to provide a comprehensive report with supporting evidence and implementation timelines. The Committee required outstanding written responses within seven days and would continue monitoring commitments and verifying reported progress through further engagements and oversight visits.