New Zwelethemba secondary school nearing completion

The construction of a new secondary school in Zwelethemba near Worcester is progressing well. Construction started in July 2015 and is expected to reach practical completion in December this year. This R57 million project was commissioned by the Department of Transport and Public Works on behalf of the Western Cape Education Department.

The project is currently 75% complete. Once the project is complete, it will alleviate overcrowding at Vusisizwe Secondary School, the only high school in Zwelethemba, which also has three primary schools. The new double-storey school building will provide top-quality accommodation for 1 250 learners, as well as sport and other amenities.

Teaching facilities will comprise 33 standard classrooms, five specialist rooms and one multi-media room with a library. The complex will also have a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building and caretaker’s facilities. Currently, the contractor is busy with interior work in classrooms and completing work on the courtyards.

This project has already exceeded its empowerment and employment targets. Contract expenditure on targeted enterprises so far is R7 million, R2 million has gone to suppliers and manufacturers, and R4 million was spent on targeted local labour.

A number of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work opportunities were created for local persons living within the borders of the Breede Valley Municipality. These EPWP beneficiaries also received on-the-job skills mentoring and training.

The Department remains committed to realising its vision of leading in the delivery of government infrastructure and related services. This project helps to give effect to Provincial Strategic Goal 1: “Creating opportunities for growth and jobs”.