Green schools lead the way in Gauteng

Premier Nomvula Mokonyane officially opened the Northriding Secondary School. Image: Gauteng Province

Northriding Secondary School in Randburg and Noordwyk Secondary School in Midrand were officially opened by Gauteng's, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.

The two schools are fitted with solar panels, which allow them to generate their own electricity. Rain harvesting systems have also been installed, which purify rain water within the school premises, so that it can be reused.

Construction of the public schools began in November 2012, with the Northriding school costing R55m and Noordwyk coming in at R52m.

Officiating the opening of Northriding Secondary, Mokonyane said the building of the schools was an indication of government's commitment to education and a green future.

Learning

"There is no reason learners in a school like this one cannot be productive. Government is doing everything in its power to create conducive conditions for learning and teaching," she said.

The premier said there were plans to install solar systems in all Gauteng schools. "The new schools that we are building now have solar systems," she said.

Mokonyane said the provincial government was working towards ensuring that every community has a school and she asked communities to play a role in safeguarding school infrastructure.

"We are appealing to our communities not to vandalise the schools. These schools belong to you," she said.

"I love our new school. It is beautiful," said Grade 8 learner Precious Gama. "Our teachers are very nice and they always make sure that we understand what they are teaching us," she said.

The school has 25 classrooms, a library and laboratory, two science labs, a canteen and sports field. It opened in January this year with the admission of Grade 8 and 9 learners.

School principal Francois Oosthuizen said only 10 of the 25 classrooms were being used currently.

"We are excited with the new school and we hope that our learners will perform better. We hope to admit learners for other grades next year," he said.

Noordwyk Secondary School also has much to be pleased about. The new school has an administration block, 24 classrooms, two science labs, multipurpose classrooms, two computer rooms, a library and sports facility.

Gauteng has a total of 1,899,542 learners enrolled in 2,060 public schools providing 49,888 classes. Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu said 141 new schools have been built in the province since 2009.