July 23, 2007
By George Matlala
A new school was officially opened in Alexandra on Friday, 20 July, to replace a structure built in 1960 as a "temporary solution".
The school, which replaces one constructed with asbestos sheets, serves 1 000 learners. It is part of government's ambitious plan to uplift the township.
Addressing the learners, who had gathered at the school for the event, Nomvula Mokonyane, Gauteng MEC for housing, said: "Now our kids can learn under the most conducive environment – as opposed to the unfriendly and health hazardous asbestos structure that housed this school for a long time."
The building of Ekukhanyisweni primary school in phase 2 formed part of government's Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP), which aims to upgrade fundamentally "living conditions and human development potential within the township".
Cutting the ribbon to formally open the Ekukhanyisweni Primary School in Alexandra
Some R1, 3-billion has been set aside for the project, which is managed by the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng department of housing.
Dignitaries attending the opening included Ambie Maseko, councillor of ward 75; officials from the ARP and Amon Msane, chairperson in Gauteng's education portfolio.
Previously called LM Taunyane, the school was built in 1960 on 4th Avenue. Though meant to be a temporary solution, the building served the learners of Alexandra for decades, until government decided to demolish all schools built with asbestos as they posed a health hazard, noted Mokonyane.
The reconstruction of the school started towards the end of 2005, with the asbestos walls demolished. All learners were taken to Roma School during the construction period and returned to the school in January this year.
Mokonyane urged the community to look after the school so that it continues to produce future leaders. "We should see this as our monument," she said, also calling on the residents to blow the whistle on those vandalising the school.
"The project is not all about the building, but the future of the township. Parents, we are leaving this asset to you," she said.
The school boasts 25 classes and 28 teachers. "We expect the school to educate our kids and be the beacon of hope," said Msane, noting that the school was one of the most active in the community.
Msane said his department had identified the fact that most of the schools in Alexandra were old and not secured.
"We are prepared to address the challenges facing the education of children of Alexandra," he said, adding that overcrowding, a high failure rate and a lack of learner support materials were some of the problems facing education in the township.
Mofone Mabonela, the principal of the school, emphasised a commitment to develop learners and help nurture their talents. She added: "We have to make sure that nothing undesirable happen to the school," she said, appealing to businesses and the community to pledge their support.
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