After waiting for years for the education department to renovate Nondwe Senior Secondary School in Dadamba, Willowvale, former pupils have launched a joint effort to fix it.
A broken roof, cracked walls and missing window panes are some of the infrastructure challenges the school faces.
Principal Zolani Dinwa said 515 pupils were keenly anticipating the long-awaited assistance to begin on June 15.
The school serves more than 30 villages.
The two spearheading the project are former pupils Bakhusele Mathupha and Landela Ntozakhe who were moved by the school’s dilapidated state.
The renovation of Nondwe is more than just a construction project. It is a beacon of hope for the entire Busila community
“The renovation of Nondwe is more than just a construction project. It is a beacon of hope for the entire Busila community,” Mathupha said.
“It symbolises a commitment to nurturing the next generation and building a sustainable, prosperous future for all.
“As the renovations commence, the community eagerly anticipates the transformation of their beloved school into a safe and inspiring place of learning.”
He said the project had garnered support from various stakeholders, including parents, local leaders and educational authorities, who recognised the urgent need for intervention.
“The renovation plans include repairing and reinforcing the school buildings, fixing the roofs and addressing essential needs such as sanitation and a clean water supply.
“We plan to create spaces that foster learning and creativity, including new classrooms, a library and recreational areas.
“These enhancements aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience that goes beyond academics.”
Mathupha said the initiative went hand-in-hand with their broader goals of community empowerment and sustainable development.
“By improving educational facilities, we aim to build a foundation for long-term social and economic growth.
“Education plays a crucial role in equipping the youth with the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful, productive lives and to contribute meaningfully to the community.”
He said the renovation project would also provide immediate benefits to the local economy.
“The undertaking will create jobs and involve local contractors, artisans and labourers, ensuring that the financial benefits of the project circulate within the community.
“Our approach aligns with a commitment to supporting local economies and fostering self-reliance.”
In October, it was reported that between 76 and 100 pupils were squeezed into seven dilapidated classrooms.
There was no furniture in the staffroom.
The school has 56 pupils in grade 12.
“With a pass rate of 92% in 2022 and 63% in 2023, classrooms are falling apart, roofs leak when it rains and the overall environment is far from what learners deserve,” Mathupha said.
“These conditions not only hinder academic performance but also affect the morale of both pupils and teachers.”
Dinwa said they had reported that the school was a safety hazard and appealed for intervention from the department.
“The men — the former pupils — approached me in April with the concept.
“The school is dilapidated and there isn’t much [that can be] done to renovate because it is old and starting to fall apart, but we cannot discourage those who want to intervene.”
He said district and provincial officials had visited the school, but despite recommendations in April to start addressing the infrastructure, nothing had been done.
A document shared with the Dispatch revealed that infrastructure in some schools such as Mxaka PS, Gwebindlala JSS and Nondwe SS was dire.
The department had promised the district a renovation project for 10 schools, with each school to be given R1m for renovations, but to date nothing had happened.
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