New R47m Sinenjongo High School is handed over | Western Cape Government

News

New R47m Sinenjongo High School is handed over

28 October 2016

Today (28 October 2016), the keys of the brand new, state-of-the-art, R47 million Sinenjongo High School in Joe Slovo Park, Milnerton were officially handed over to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

The completion of the school helps to give effect to the Western Cape Government’s Provincial Strategic Goal 2 – to improve education outcomes and opportunities for the development of youth. 

Construction on this Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) project began in February 2015 and the school reached practical completion this month. While construction was under way, learners were accommodated in temporary facilities across the road. The new facility provides top-quality accommodation for 1 250 learners, as well as sports fields and other amenities.

Teaching facilities comprise 35 standard classrooms, four science laboratory rooms, two multi-purpose classrooms, a media centre, and a computer laboratory. The complex also has a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building, and caretaker facilities.

The development of this school is a wonderful example of how the private sector can partner with the public sector to invest in education for public benefit. The Rabie Property Group adopted the Sinenjongo High School as its major corporate social investment focus in 2007. Rabie Group has provided ongoing support for the school since then, including sponsoring additional teaching posts in maths and science, as well as providing support for programmes to improve learner proficiency in English, maths and science. The company also played a significant role in the project by identifying a site, providing a grey water system to reduce water consumption, and providing furniture for the administration reception area.

DTPW is committed to creating short-term Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment and skills training opportunities in its projects.

DTPW Project Leader Clive Truter says all local labour targets for the Sinenjongo project were met. “The project created work and skills training opportunities for 270 people, 60% of them youth, and 50% of them women. An electrician with a disability also worked on the project. A total of R5 million was spent on targeted contractor businesses, R5 million went to suppliers and manufacturers, and R5 million went to targeted local labour,” he said.

Ismail Jakoet, WCED Construction Project Manager, says members of the community are excited about the new school. “This facility is a beacon of hope, a place where learners, educators and parents can feel safe and secure, a place where top-quality learning can take place,” he said.

Sithembiso Tshika, a Grade 11 learner, said learning in the temporary structures was unpleasantly cold in winter, and too hot in summer. “We look forward to learning in improved conditions next year,” he said.

Media Enquiries: 
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za
 

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW