Investment in education is paramount
An investment of R92.9-million has been added to the community of Chief Albert Luthuli Park, in the form of the most modern and green township school in the province, according to Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School was launched on January 13, and accommodates pupils from Grade R to Grade Seven.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, Makhura, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele were among the dignitaries present at the unveiling of the state-of-the-art facility.
The school boasts 33 smart classrooms, an admin block, two smart science laboratories, two multi-purpose rooms, one computer laboratory, an IT control room, library, nutrition centre, dining hall, school hall (still under construction), five courtyards and a sports facility (still under construction).
The premier said investing in education is critical for the country’s growth.
“This is your school,” he told the community.
“I want to say to you that education is the most important investment you can ever make.
“Even if you have not been to school, as a family, as a community and as a nation, education is the most important investment.
“Even if we were to build a million houses in Chief Luthuli, if the schools are not working we are not investing in the future; even if we build better roads in here, if the schools are not working or in a bad condition, we are digging and undigging at the same time.
“We must attend to all issues.”
Makhura urged the community to defend the school with all their might.
“Defend this school with everything you have in your hands,” he said.
“Where there is a protest don’t burn down the school.
“Where there is a service delivery problem don’t burn down a clinic.
“When you have a problem with your councillor don’t burn down a library, because you are burning your future.
“If you burn down this school we will not rebuild it.”
Meanwhile, the DA has welcomed the new school, but raised concern over Chief Luthuli Primary One.
“Since opening its doors in 2013, Albert Luthuli Primary One is still without Internet access, computers or telephone lines,” said Benoni DA constituency head and MPL, Michele Clarke.
“The room initially earmarked for a computer classroom is being used as a storeroom.”
The education department had not commented at the time of going to print.
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