Mahlathi Primary declared the cleanest school in Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) has declared Mahlathi Primary in Bushbuckridge the cleanest school in the province in 2023. This was during the 2023 Cleanest School Awards Ceremony at the Floreat Riverside Lodge in Sabie on September 22.

The Cleanest School Awards serve as a motivation for schools to continually prioritise cleanliness. These awards are part of the 2023 Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena Campaign.

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This campaign is an annual initiative that encourages communities to come together to clean and maintain their schools. It seeks to address most of the negative challenges experienced at schools, by mobilising communities to own and safeguard their respective institutions. It creates a clean and safe learning environment, to promote a sense of community ownership of schools, instil a sense of pride in learners and the community, and to improve the quality of education.

The other nominees in the finals were Tsembaletfu Primary School in the Ehlanzeni District, Sibahle Primary School in Gert Sibande and Loding Primary School in Nkangala.

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“A clean learning environment promotes positive learning experiences and contributes to a healthy and safe atmosphere for learners and staff alike. Cleanliness not only helps prevent the spreading of germs and diseases, but also improves air quality, reduces allergens and enhances overall well-being. Schools that prioritise cleanliness understand that it is linked to learner attendance, focus and performance,” said the DoE’s spokesperson, Jasper Zwane.

He congratulated Mahlathi Primary. “You are the best of the best.” The school receives a trophy, a certificate and various other prizes. Tfolinhlanhla Primary School in Shabalala outside Hazyview was the winner of last year’s Cleanest School Award.