2026 Rhandza Xi Kolo Xa Wena Campaign Launch Strengthens School Care and Agricultural Learning in Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga education and agriculture sectors took a major step forward yesterday with the official launch of the 2026 Rhandza Xi kolo Xa Wena campaign at Mahhushe Agricultural High School in Nkomazi. The launch brought together key government leaders, educators and learners in a coordinated effort to strengthen school pride and responsibility. The campaign is designed to encourage learners, parents and surrounding communities to take active ownership of their schools and ensure they are clean, protected and well maintained. The initiative also highlights the importance of integrating education with practical skills development, especially in agriculture. This launch sets the tone for a wider provincial rollout aimed at improving school environments and learner engagement.

During the event, Khethiwe Moeketsi and Lindi Masina led a detailed walkabout across the school grounds. The MECs engaged directly with learners who demonstrated their agricultural training through hands-on activities. These activities included caring for cows, chickens and pigs, along with crop production projects within the school premises. The leaders also participated in planting indigenous trees as part of environmental awareness and sustainability efforts. This practical engagement showed how schools can become active spaces for both education and food production.

The visit was supported by senior officials from Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs and the education department, along with other key stakeholders. Their presence highlighted a strong commitment to an integrated government approach that links education with agricultural development. MEC Moeketsi expressed strong approval of the learners’ dedication and enthusiasm during the demonstrations. The collaboration between departments focused on strengthening agricultural education in schools while also promoting environmental responsibility. This combined effort reflects a growing focus on practical learning that prepares learners for real economic opportunities.

The Rhandza Xi kolo Xa Wena campaign is expected to expand beyond Nkomazi and reach other districts including Nkangala, Gert Sibande and Bohlabela. This expansion aims to ensure that schools across Mpumalanga benefit from the same level of support and engagement. The campaign’s core goal is to build a culture where communities take responsibility for protecting and maintaining school infrastructure. It also seeks to inspire pride among learners so that they view their schools as valuable community assets. By extending the programme, the province aims to strengthen education outcomes and promote environmental awareness on a wider scale.

The launch at Mahhushe Agricultural High School demonstrated how education and agriculture can work together to create meaningful learning experiences. Learners were given a platform to show their skills while government leaders reinforced the importance of discipline, care and responsibility in school environments. The involvement of multiple departments and stakeholders added weight to the initiative and showed strong institutional support. As the campaign continues to roll out across Mpumalanga, it is expected to improve school conditions and deepen community participation. The initiative stands as a clear example of how coordinated leadership can drive both educational improvement and social development in rural communities.