MEC Mvoko Leads Final Day of #BackToSchool2026 in Nxuba (Cradock)

Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Mvoko was once again on the ground on the morning of the final day of the #BackToSchool2026 campaign, leading a provincial delegation to Mechausdal Senior Secondary School in Nxuba, formerly known as Cradock.

The visit marked Day 3 and the conclusion of the department’s annual back-to-school oversight programme, aimed at assessing school readiness, identifying challenges early in the academic year, and strengthening cooperation between schools, government and local communities.

Focus on Learner Behaviour and Substance Abuse

During the engagement with school management and education stakeholders, MEC Mvoko emphasised the importance of activating the Liquor Board’s Ambassadors Programme within the school. The programme is intended to promote positive behavioural change among learners, with a particular focus on addressing substance abuse and related social challenges that impact discipline and academic performance.

The MEC highlighted that early behavioural interventions are key to creating safer and more supportive learning environments.

Addressing Declining Academic Performance

Officials acknowledged that Mechausdal Senior Secondary School experienced a decline in academic performance in the previous year. The Department of Education confirmed that a range of strategies has been put in place to reverse the trend.

These include enhanced academic support, closer monitoring by district education officials, and targeted teaching and learning interventions aimed at improving learner outcomes during the 2026 academic year.

Water Supply and Basic Services

The delegation also assessed the school’s basic services and infrastructure. It was confirmed that the school has a stable water supply, with additional contingency measures in place. Water tanks are available on site to ensure continuity in the event of water shortages, which occasionally affect parts of the region.

Ensuring reliable access to basic services remains a priority for the department, particularly in rural and semi-urban schools.

Midyear Monitoring Visit Planned

As part of continued oversight and accountability, the provincial delegation is expected to conduct a midyear monitoring visit to Mechausdal Senior Secondary School. The follow-up visit will assess progress on government interventions and evaluate how effectively issues raised during the #BackToSchool2026 campaign have been addressed.

The Department of Education reiterated that the back-to-school campaign forms part of a broader effort to stabilise schools, improve learner discipline and academic performance, and ensure sustained government support throughout the academic year in Nxuba and across the Eastern Cape.