MEC Fundile Gade, joined by Chief Daluxolo, the Executive Mayor Ms Peeping, former Teachers, Principals of schools and other important stakeholders, recently handed-over Siwali Primary School in Lusikisiki.

The R52.68 million new school was built as part of the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI), and it boasts ,13 classrooms, library, science laboratory, multipurpose center, Grade R facility, twenty-six (26) water tanks ,964m security fencing, thirty-four (34) ventilated improved pit toilets and a nutrition center.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) was appointed by the Department of Education as the implementing agent.

This project created quite a number of job opportunities for the locals as most of the unskilled labour was from the surrounding areas.

In his address, the MEC reminded the community and the school principal to look after the new facility.

He also urged them to not disrupt learning in schools and guard against the temptation of vandalizing schools during service delivery protests.

He further advised school learners to work very hard now that they have decent schooling facilities.

Motivating learners, MEC cited examples of leaners who become the best in their academics despite their background but manage to excel in academics.

He said, “Where you come from does not determine where you are going.” 

He also emphasized the important role played by parents and teachers in the development of a child.

He urged them to take good care of these youngsters and have an open-door policy, opening lines of communication to avoid the Nyobeni incident.

“We find ourselves blaming each other for things we could have managed at an early stage of a child life,” said Gade.

In his remarks, Principal Andile Ntsubane extended gratitude to all role players who made the opening of Siwali Primary school a resounding success.

We are here to witness yet another magnificent school infrastructure being built. This is public service delivery and is a clear indication that all spheres of government work hand in hand to provide service delivery.

This occasion should bring hope that even our needs will be taken care of in the interest of sustainable service delivery, said Ntsubane.

He further called upon members of the community, learners, and School Governing Bodies (SGB) to make it their responsibility and obligation to make sure that the school remains protected and safe against burglary and vandalism.

I believe that as teachers and learners of Siwali Primary school we will work together in making sure the furniture is neat and well maintained, ensure it will be useable to learners in future.

In this way, the Department of education will be able to focus on other communities that are equally waiting for the same services, added Ntsubane.

On behalf of Ngquza Municipal Council and the residents of Mcobothini village, Ntsubana thanked the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Stakeholders for building the new infrastructure.

SGB Members and parents whose children are at Siwali Primary School have expressed gratitude to the Department of Education for building their children a proper learning environment.

They said for years their children had been using collapsed building which was no longer conducive for teachers and learners of Siwali Primary School.