Emdeni welcomes Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation

One of the highlight of the school is the engine of Boeing 747 aeroplane.

May 10, 2016

Lucky Thusi 1 minute read

NEW VENTURE: MEC for Social Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza handing over the new uniform to the learners.

MINISTER of Basic Education Angie Motshekga officially opened Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation in Soweto, Emdeni Extension on Monday, May 9.

Accompanied by Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, Motshekga opened the school which will focus on engineering, maths and science, ICT and commerce and entrepreneurship. This school is the first of its kind in the country and the department is aiming to open another 27 similar schools from now until 2019.

The school replaces the former dysfunctional and chaotic Fontanus High School.

In a pre-launch briefing, MEC Lesufi said the economy of Gauteng used to rely on gold and the mining sector; however that kind of economy is dying, which is why Gauteng has adopted transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation (TMR). The province has been subdivided into five key economic hubs, where each components will specialise in a specific component.

“We want to change the face of education in the township and we are elevating even the personnel. I am proud to say that the acting principal, Dr Mduduzi Mathe holds a PhD and our educators who represent the Rainbow Nation were recruited through a programme called TeachSA, and there’s not one who has the degree that is less than an Honours degree. Also, we selected the best learners to uplift the stature of the school,” explained MEC Lesufi.

He also mentioned that some of the blocks at the school are named after the people who are very instrumental in taking the country forward.

One of the highlights of the school is the displayed engine of a Boeing 747 aeroplane. “We are changing the history of township education. These learners will not add to the unemployment rate of this country, but will be very competitive, with the market looking for them. They need to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

The minister thanked MEC Lesufi for his courage to go to Soweto, especially revamping Fontanus High school.

The school includes 390 grade eight and nine learners, 36 classrooms and 19 educators. The uniform bears the South African flag. The department spent R80 million on refurbishing the school. Sponsors include South African Airways, Barloworld, MTN, NAC and Telkom.