Lesufi launches new smart school
State-of-the-art secondary cost R60m to construct
The opening of a R60m secondary school in Protea Glen, Soweto, is a dream come true for Thato Mqoqi who aspires to be a cardiologist one day.
The new Protea Glen secondary school was officially opened by Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi yesterday.
Mqoqi, 14, is one of the 200 grade 8 pupils who moved into their new school. For the past six weeks they have been squatting at a nearby primary school.
“I am happy that we have a science lab so that I can start learning more about my dream profession,” she said.
The school, which caters for grade 8 pupils, will add more grades next year.
It boasts 28 classrooms, two science labs, a computer lab, a smart multipurpose room and three courtyards, just to mention a few.
Another excited pupil, Thabo Kokwana, 14, said he could not wait to be taught on a smart board. “I am very excited about this school and now I feel like a high school boy. The toilets are clean; I feel safe here,” said Thabo.
The school is one of many the department intends to open in townships across Gauteng.
The aim is to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to communities that have been previously under-serviced.
Lesufi told community members not to burn tyres at the school.
“The school belongs to the entire community of Protea Glen and anyone who steals from the school is stealing from you [the community],” he said.