The Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts was officially handed over in Extension 34, Ermelo, on Monday, 3 August 2026, marking a major investment in specialised arts education in Mpumalanga.
The ceremony coincided with what would have been the 62nd birthday of internationally acclaimed reggae musician Lucky Dube, who was born and raised in Ermelo. Members of the Dube family, including his son Thokozani Dube, joined provincial and local government representatives, traditional leaders and community members for the occasion.
MEC for Education Lindi Masina, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo, and Msukaligwa Executive Mayor Alderwoman M.P. Nkosi unveil the commemorative plaque during the official handover of the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts. | Mpumalanga Department of Education Facebook
The facility was handed over by Mpumalanga MEC for Education Lindi Masina and MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo. The school is the province’s first public, no-fee secondary school dedicated to the performing arts and aims to nurture young talent in music, dance, drama and other creative disciplines.
Mpumalanga MEC for Education Lindi Masina addresses attendees during the official handover of the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts in Ermelo. | Mpumalanga Department of Education Facebook
Masina said the school would prepare learners for opportunities in the creative sector, including careers as performers, producers, directors, choreographers, sound engineers, stage technicians and creative entrepreneurs.
Dube’s son welcomed the tribute, describing it as a great honour for his father to be recognised through an educational institution in the community where he was born and raised. The handover celebrated Dube’s legacy while establishing a platform through which future generations can develop their academic and artistic abilities.