Learners at the newly built Menzi Primary school kicked off the 2019 academic year with digital boards in front of them, and tablets in hand.<\/p>\n
The state-of-the-art facility was officially opened by Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The green technology school, which is in the heart of Langaville in Tsakane township in Ekurhuleni, boasts facilities such as 33 smart classrooms, a Grade R block with five classrooms, two smart science labs, two smart multi-purpose rooms, a library and dining hall.<\/p>\n
Makhura was accompanied by Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo.<\/p>\n
Addressing community members at the official opening, Makhura said the school is an investment in the future of the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe start of the school year is about laying the foundation for a better future. We are investing in education a lot, especially in township schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe investment we are making as a country is in these children. These children are the children that will be independent and build their own homes,\u201d said the Premier.<\/p>\n
Makhura hailed the opening of Menzi Primary as a measure to improve the quality of education in township schools.<\/p>\n
With a price tag of R105,508,403, Lesufi urged parents and community members to protect the newly constructed mega school infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am pleading with you to protect these schools. If you see someone vandalising these schools, report them to the police,\u201d said Lesufi.<\/p>\n
In protecting the schools, Lesufi said the community would ensure that the learners of Menzi Primary school have a shot at competing in the imminent fourth industrial revolution.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese learners are part of the generation that will attend schools of specialisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will participate in the fourth industrial revolution,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
To prepare for the fourth industrial revolution, Lesufi said his department will also unveil two schools of specialisation in the areas of maritime studies and the motor industry.<\/p>\n
In a bid to address high demand for space in Gauteng schools, the provincial Education Department announced that Tshepisong, Mayfield and Centurion Primary Schools will also be opened this month.<\/p>\n
Allaying the fears of late applicants, Lesufi assured parents that his department is hard at work to place learners in classrooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want any learner to sit at home. I want to thank my team, which is working hard to ensure that we process late applications and will ensure that by the end of January, all school-going learners are placed,\u201d said Lesufi.<\/p>\n
\nConstruction began in February 2015, #MenziPrimary<\/a> was completed in October 2018 pic.twitter.com\/xtW5MufvD5<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 GPInfrastructure (@GPDID) January 9, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n