Onverwacht Primary School’s phase 2B development plan was completed and reopened on December 5, with support from Petra Cullinan Diamond Mine. During previous phases, they built classrooms for preschool and primary school, already in use.
With the completion of the current phase, the newly built administration block includes a state-of-the-art library, reception, office space, a safe room, sick bay and teachers’ lounge.
Onverwacht in Cullinan is an ordinary school specialising in ordinary subjects. The school is a Section 21 school, meaning the department allocates finances, and the school is responsible for ordering stationery, and textbooks, paying water and lights accounts and undertaking their own maintenance under Academic Career Development (ACD) functions and classified under quintile as a no-fee institution.
Several government departments, Petra, the City of Tshwane and learners, attended the opening ceremony that included the plaque unveiling and a tour of the new buildings.
Ward 100 Clr Johannes Bekker said, “I am proud to announce that both the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the Department of Education were impressed with the community and the amount of local small, micro, medium enterprises (SMME) from Onverwacht involved in the building process.”
Bekker opened the ceremony with a special message for the learners, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom. Education helps an individual meet basic job qualifications and makes them more likely to secure better jobs.
“Having both intellect and life experiences leads to certain freedom, a freedom to choose one’s life occupation.”
Bekker also reminded the learners that they are residents in the home of the largest diamond ever found and recognised the learners as diamonds being polished for opportunities for a brighter future.
