 A new, asbestos-free school rises in Alex
More than 40 years after the opening of a 'temporary' primary
school, its replacement has been launched in Alexandra.
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".
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.
Visit our Photo Gallery to see the development of the Ekukhanisweni
School |
