Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, will officiate the official hand-over of the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts on Monday, 03 August 2026, in Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The Premier’s entourage includes Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Executive Mayors and members of the community, to mark the official opening of the school, named after the late South African reggae icon, Lucky Dube.
The official hand-over coincides with Dube’s birthdate, 3 August 1964. He was born in Ermelo, and rose to international prominence as one of South Africa's most celebrated musicians, using his music to promote unity, justice and social cohesion, and used global stages to represent the country. His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated during a hijacking incident in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, on 18 October 2007.
Established in honour of the late reggae legend, the school specializes in the development of learners' creative talents in music, dance, drama and technical disciplines, such as sound engineering, stage lighting and event production. These specialised programmes are offered alongside the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), culminating in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
As the first public, no-fee performing arts-focused high school of its kind in Mpumalanga, it serves as a provincial hub for arts education, providing talented learners with access to specialised training and opportunities to develop their artistic potential.
Premier’s Ndlovu plan to hand over the school underscores government's commitment to expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents and pursue their aspirations. The Premier says the school reflects the province's continued investment in Schools of Specialisation as centres of excellence that nurture skills, creativity and innovation, while preparing learners for further education, employment and entrepreneurship. The school also contributes to building a vibrant creative sector that supports inclusive growth, youth empowerment and the long-term development of South Africa's creative economy.
The official hand-over of the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts is arranged as follows:
Date: Monday, 03 August 2026
Time: 08H00
Venue: Lucky Dube School of Performing Arts, Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality
Members of the media are invited to attend. To RSVP, please contact Ms Tlangelani Rikhotso (Office of the Premier) on 079 516 6991 or Mr Gerald Sambo (Department of Education) on 081 526 7802.
ENDS…
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr Jasper Zwane (Spokesperson – Department of Education) 083 743 1804/
Mr George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson) 083 302 2774.