New facility opens doors for learners

People in Ermelo, under the Msukaligwa Local Municipality, were delighted by the brand-new school, the Netherland Park Secondary School, which representatives of the Department of Education officially handed over to the community.

Speaking during the event, MEC for education, Ms Reginah Mhaule urged learners to strive for maximum pass rates. She informed them about the University of Mpumalanga where priority was given to learners from its home province, and that they should strive for higher marks so that they could be accepted.

The new school accepted learners from grade eight to 11 this year, and will include grade 12 from next year. The school comprises 28 classrooms, an administrative block, laboratory, a computer centre, a school hall, 40 toilets, a kitchen and a car It also has electronic boards as a teaching aid.

Talking to one of the top learners, Thembelihle Masuku (15), who is a grade 10 learner, Mpumalanga Mirror learnt that she was a hard worker. “It motivates us to work hard so that we achieve the best results. However, I wish they could build sport grounds,” said Thembelihle. In response to this matter Mhaule said, “The department will complete the sport grounds as soon as possible.”

Chairperson of the school governing body (SGB), Mr King Lot Nsibande, urged the community to protect the school and regard it as their own. The deputy director general, Ms Lucy Moyane made a speech on behalf of the executive mayor, Mr Mishack Nhlabathi who could not attend due to other commitments.

She said the community should cherish and treasure the school because it belonged to them.