latest news
The biggest news today,
Sunday, 22 February 2026, involves a massive anti-corruption operation by the Hawks targeting the Mpumalanga Department of Education. Major Corruption Crackdown
Massive Arrests: The Hawks have launched a takedown operation targeting 42 suspects—including senior government officials and service providers—linked to a R114-million tender fraud scheme.
Former Acting Head Arrested: Among those apprehended is the former acting head of the department.
Barberton Pastor Involved: Law enforcement officials raided the home of a Barberton pastor allegedly linked to the fraudulent scheme.
Scope of Charges: The investigation focuses on corruption, fraud, and irregular procurement processes related to school repair contracts and other tenders.
Financial & Administrative Updates
Ghost Payments & Debt: Recent reports indicate the department is facing a R500 million debt due to unpaid staff loans, salary advances, and “ghost” payments to individuals who have already resigned or retired.
Tablet Tender Controversy: The department continues to face scrutiny over an R800 million e-learning device programme. Allegations suggest R200 million was spent on faulty or overpriced tablets before tender evaluations were even complete.
February 22, 2026
the Mpumalanga Department of Education is primarily
managing school reopening schedules following severe floods and celebrating the 2025 matric results. January 19, 2026
Current School Reopening & Weather Disruptions
Current School Reopening & Weather Disruptions
Gradual Reopening: Due to the devastating floods that have claimed 37 lives across Mpumalanga and Limpopo, schools in flood-stricken areas did not open on the official start date.
Teacher Return Today: Educators who could safely reach their schools were expected to report back today, Monday, January 19, 2026, to assess site safety.
Learner Return Tomorrow: Learners in affected areas are expected back on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, provided conditions remain safe.
Previous Suspensions: Classes in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality were temporarily suspended on January 15 and 16 due to waterlogged roads.
2025 Matric Results & Top Achievers
Provincial Pass Rate: Mpumalanga achieved an 86.55% pass rate for the Class of 2025, an improvement from 84.9% in the previous year.
Top Learner: Luyanda Ndlozi from Elangwana Secondary School is the overall best learner in the province and ranked among the national top 40.
National Excellence: Khaya Khoza and Sheriff Brendan from DD Mabuza Comprehensive High School
achieved a perfect 300/300 in Technical Mathematics, recognized as the best in the country for this subject.
Best Municipality: Emalahleni Local Municipality emerged as the top-performing municipality with a 94.0% pass rate.
Departmental Leadership & Governance
HOD Reinstatement: Head of Department (HOD) Lucy Moyane returned to work today, January 19, after a suspension related to a laptop procurement scandal. She received a written warning for negligence.
Learner Placements: The department is currently addressing a backlog of approximately 9,000 learners still awaiting school placements for the 2026 academic year, primarily in fast-growing urban centers.
