The Mpumalanga MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, officially handed over the newly renovated Phulani Secondary School in Bushbuckridge on September 5.
The school now boasts 10 classrooms, a kitchen, an administration office and a media centre to enhance learning, a security guard room and a combo sports court to create a stimulating and supportive environment for learners and teachers.
Dlamini said these improved facilities are now well equipped to deliver quality education and foster a thriving learning environment in which learners can reach their full potential.
“This confirms the government’s commitment to building a future where every child, regardless of their location, has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. The Department of Education [DoE] is encouraged by the good work done by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport to complete the project, and we look forward to handing over more projects like this. We share a strong view that improved school infrastructure has a bearing on the overall performance of our learners,” she said.
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The DoE has set aside R80m for the eradication of pit latrines at schools throughout the province and R1.4b to accelerate the construction of new schools and to render maintenance to existing schools.
“We are on a drive to restore the dignity of our teaching staff and learners by eradicating pit latrines at all our schools. This is essential to us, because the self-esteem and pride of our workforce remain paramount. If the environment is favourable, learners get motivated to wake up early in the morning and rush to school.”
Dlamini urged community members, learners and staff to safeguard the school against any form of vandalism, theft and trafficking of weapons on the premises. She, the Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s executive mayor, Terry Shabangu, and other dignitaries planted a tree to mark the official opening of the school.
