WATCH | School almost complete for high-performing pupils in rural KZN
Zondi said communities must work together to secure a better future for young people, particularly those in rural areas.
A promise to improve education in rural KwaZulu-Natal is fast becoming a reality after four new classrooms at St John Paul High School in Elandskop reached the final stages of construction.
Speaking during a media briefing at the school on Monday, KwaMpumuza Traditional Authority Chief Khethukuthula Zondi said communities must work together to secure a better future for young people, particularly those in rural areas where many schools continue to face infrastructure challenges.
The construction project follows a commitment Chief Zondi made during last year’s matric excellence awards ceremony, attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, where he pledged to build four additional classrooms at the school in recognition of its consistently excellent matric results.
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The project is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Correctional Services as part of the chief’s iLima lakwaSanti school programme, an initiative aimed at supporting high performing schools and improving learning conditions for pupils.
Chief Zondi said he was motivated to support St John Paul High School because of its long standing record of academic excellence despite the challenges faced by many rural schools.
“I saw the need to assist this school because it has been producing excellent matric results for many years. Learners who work hard deserve an environment that supports their success,” he said.
He said communities had a shared responsibility to invest in education and should work together to create opportunities for young people.
This project is not only my project; it belongs to the people. It is about improving the lives of children whose families cannot always afford the resources they need.
“Together we can build a better future for our children,” he said.
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Chief Zondi thanked donors, community members and all stakeholders who had contributed to the construction project, saying their support had helped turn his vision into reality.
He said construction has now entered its final phase, with roofing work under way. Chief Zondi said the classrooms would soon be officially opened and handed over to the school, providing additional learning space for pupils and strengthening educational opportunities in the KwaMpumuza community.