GAUTENG OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES MAYIBUYE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Written by: Tasha Siziba

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Education and Youth Development MEC, Matome Chiloane and Infrastructure Development and Human Settlements MEC Lebogang Maile opened the state-of-the-art Mayibuye Primary School on Wednesday.

The opening of the school was fulfilling the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to the community.

The school has two smart science labs, an early childhood development area, a computer lab, a library, twenty-eight smart classrooms, and an administration building.

A dire situation arised in the center of South Africa as the province of Gauteng struggled with lack of school spaces.

When schools reopened for the 2024 academic year, more than 21,000 students were left trapped and without a desk of their own due to this worrying situation.

Phase 2 of the school, set to open on April 27, 2024, will feature a dining hall, soccer field, combo courts, and nutrition center. Despite delays in ownership, contracts, and construction, the main issue has been resolved, a sewerage line being the root cause.

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, said Mayibuye Primary School is further proof of Gauteng’s promise of building quality schools and increasing access to quality education in Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostel areas.

“Today’s handover is about delivering on the promise of handing over this beautiful infrastructure to the people of Mayibuye, who have been calling for the swift resolution of the challenges which have led to these delays.”

Lesufi, says The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is worried that any delays could lower the standard of education, therefore they are working nonstop to make sure the school is turned over to the community.

“By the end of March, over 1 200 young people will have the full access to all these exciting facilities. Today, we are allowing for certain grades to begin using the school while waiting for the contractor to conclude works on the hall and the redirection of the sewer line,” said Premier Lesufi.

The inadequacy of educational opportunities for Gauteng’s young learners is hindering their personal development and posing a significant threat to their future success, a fundamental right.

Speaking at the event, MEC Chiloane said the launch of Mayibuye Primary School was an indication of the government’s unwavering dedication to delivering quality education infrastructure within communities where our people reside.

“With this school, our TISH learners are also being given the opportunity to excel in the sciences as there is a science lad; and because this is a smart school, our learners will be using the latest technology,” the Education MEC said.