Boksburg’s new school of specialisation unveiled

Education MEC said the recently launched schools of specialisation in the province were doing wonders, and its learners were producing great products and establishing impressive facilities, including a mineshaft, radio station and a mock hotel.

August 5, 2023

Fanie Mthupha 3 minutes read

Education MEC Matome Chiloane and principal Peter Arendse unveiled the plaque to mark the facility as a school of specialisation with a special focus on finance, tourism, hospitality and entrepreneurship.

The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, launched the Oosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation (SoS) in Reiger Park, Boksburg, on August 3.

The inaugural event at the school brought together Gauteng Department of Education officials, the school management, teachers, learners, parents, sponsors and other guests.

It is the 24th school in the province to be transformed into an SoS, and the second Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation in the Ekurhuleni metro.

This way, MEC: The team ushered the Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, as he arrived to officially mark the facility as a school of specialisation.

The festivities started with the singing of the national anthem by the school choir, while the SA and African Union flags were attached to the poles before the formal proceedings opened with the unveiling of a plaque. Guests were treated to choral music, a marimba performance, plays and sports displays before the speeches and walkabout to view the items on the stalls and in the new facilities.

The Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, and principal Peter Arendse cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the facility as a school of specialisation.

The main objective is to help the youngsters, mainly from the surrounding disadvantaged communities, acquire skills across key disciplines that will, at an early stage, prepare them for the future – to use their skills to revitalise the township economies.

Learners will be taught skills to allow them to work immediately in industries, embark on entrepreneurship, start their businesses, or further their studies at tertiary institutions, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

This is one of the facilities where teachers will help learners gain practical knowledge and skills in the tourism and hospitality fields.

The SoS’ primary focuses are finance, tourism, hospitality and entrepreneurship, offering learners a comprehensive range of commerce and entrepreneurship skills through specialised training that will help them gain advanced culinary expertise and business-oriented knowledge, preparing them to excel in the restaurant industry.

The school’s business and consumer studies curriculum goes beyond theoretical knowledge, empowering learners to establish their ventures, such as restaurants, farms, and food stalls on the premises, fostering practical experience.
They not only learn to create world-class cuisine but also acquire valuable insights into supply chain management and customer service, both essential for running a successful establishment.
Additionally, the school provides education on the aviation industry, including cabin crew training. Moreover, learners will gain insights into emerging technologies like cryptocurrency, gaming, and virtual/augmented reality, staying ahead in the fast-changing business landscape.

The school also boasts an aviation section where learners are taught about the aviation industry and receive cabin crew training.

Airport security staff learners Chanwyn Peackok, Lerdano Visagie and Christiano Jansen carry out passenger and baggage screening at the checkpoint (admin block entrance).

During his keynote address, the MEC urged the newly launched SoS to pull up its socks and make sure this year’s results are better than the previous academic year by at least achieving a 90% overall pass rate. He also challenged the teachers to up their game to match the standard of their 23 counterparts or surpass them. He told learners to be more disciplined and respect teachers in class.

In addition to expressing his gratitude to the many partners supporting learners’ skills development, the MEC encouraged learners to grab the opportunity presented with both hands. To encourage the school, he shared the impact of specialisation at schools.

The MEC said the other SoS’ launched in the province were doing wonders, and its learners were producing great products and establishing impressive facilities, including a mineshaft and radio station. He said the recently launched Tembisa Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation boasted a mock hotel with a reception, bedroom, bathroom and laundry room.

“The fourth revolution is ending, and we are entering the fifth. Some countries are already in the fifth. So, the province cannot be dilly darling with investing all its resources to help ensure our children are prepared for that future.
“School should not just produce a certified matriculant, but a citizen for a community, a person who should plug into the community and make a difference in their community beyond just teaching them how to do mathematics and science.”

“Learners will leave the school with several certified future skills, moulding them to become employers rather than mere employees and propelling South Africa toward a prosperous and entrepreneurial-driven future. We are dedicated to transforming the education landscape in Gauteng and shaping it to be aligned with the global economy,” said Chiloane.

Deputy director general Rufus Mmutlana and Oosrand learner Ruwaan Hero were the programme directors and ensured all the festivities ran smoothly.

The second part of the launch saw Chiloane and guests do a walkabout of the different stalls and facilities to view the school’s exhibitions, where they listened attentively as the learners presented and demonstrated their projects.