KwaBhaca, In strides to step towards improving educational infrastructure, the MEC of Education, Hon. FD Gade, officially handed over Zwelihlangene Primary School on July 31st, 2024. The newly constructed school, located in Ward 25 of KwaBhaca, is part of the national ASIDI Project, which aims to address the infrastructure backlog in schools across various provinces.
Zwelihlangene Primary School, built at a cost of R35 million under the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), was completed in March 2023. The school now features modern facilities, including a Science Laboratory and a Media Centre, designed to enhance the educational experience for its young learners. This development is part of a broader initiative to replace mud structures that were once prevalent in the former Transkei area with dignified learning environments.
Hon. Gade emphasized the importance of the ASIDI Project, which has successfully constructed 168 schools in the Eastern Cape out of the 200 built nationwide. The project’s strategic focus has been on eliminating unsafe and inadequate mud structures, providing students with safer and more conducive learning spaces.
The Media Centre at Zwelihlangene is a vital part of our effort to improve literacy and comprehension skills among students. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that all children can read and write effectively, which is a national challenge, – said MEC Gade during the handover ceremony.
The event also underscored the importance of eradicating pit toilets, a pressing issue in many rural schools. The Eastern Cape Province is actively working towards stabilizing and consolidating its school system, with a call to the public to protect and preserve these critical investments.
The Acting Mayor of Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Cllr. Inga Nodali, addressed the community, urging them to protect the new school from vandalism. He expressed hope that the school would be well-maintained to serve future generations. The Mayor of Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Cllr. T Sobuthongo, also attended, highlighting the collaboration between municipalities to ensure the success of such projects.
Ms. S Myeki, the Principal of Zwelihlangene Primary School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, recalling the challenging days of teaching under trees and in mud structures. She noted that the new infrastructure has brought immense joy and motivation to both students and teachers, resulting in increased attendance and enthusiasm.
SGB Chairperson, Ms. T Njiva, reiterated the community’s commitment to maintaining their new school. She thanked the Provincial Government for their innovative solutions to longstanding challenges.
In a further gesture of support, the Eastern Cape Department of Education donated 100 pairs of shoes to the children of Zwelihlangene Primary School, contributing to their educational journey and overall well-being.
The handover of Zwelihlangene Primary School is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring that all children have access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
