New smart school in Vimbukhale transforms education for local children

The community of Vimbukhale in Bergville is brimming with excitement following the opening of a state-of-the-art smart school, by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.

The development was marked by a handover ceremony led by MEC of Education Sipho Hlomuka last Friday, which brought a much-needed educational facility closer to home for the children of Ward 14 in the uThukela district.

Vimbukhale is a rural area in northern KZN, where job opportunities are scant and residents largely depend on cattle farming for their survival. 

For years, learners from Vimbukhale faced perilous journeys across rivers in unstable boats to attend distant schools, a reality that placed their safety and education at risk.

This new school aims to alleviate such concerns, by providing a safe and enriching environment for learners.

The school's governing body (SGB) chairperson, Chazile Dlamini, expressed gratitude towards MEC Hlomuka in acknowledging the persistent efforts of the community to improve local education.

“We are very grateful to MEC Sipho Hlomuka for addressing the parents' complaints.

"Children travelled by boat to attend school previously, this new facility represents a significant improvement,” Dlamini remarked.

“The school is of a high standard, and both our children and teachers are thrilled.”

Constructed during the course of 2023, Vimbukhale Primary now boasts 11 classrooms, including two designated for Grade R, alongside a suite of impressive additional amenities.

The new features include a counselling suite, sick room, storage facility, communication room, fully-equipped nutrition kitchen, administrative block, and a guardhouse.

The school's sanitation facilities has also received a significant upgrade in size, efficiency and provision has also been made for the needs of learners with disabilities.

The project's estimated cost was R73,689.61, a budget that MEC Hlomuka praised for being both efficiently allocated and responsibly managed.

In his address, Hlomuka expressed his gratitude to those who laid the groundwork for the school before him, and emphasised its role in a broader strategy for infrastructure investment in education, aimed at breaking down barriers caused by geographical inequalities.

“The school addresses fundamental needs, ensuring that young learners have access to crucial resources, including a nutrition programme that allows them to concentrate on their education and personal development,” Hlomuka stated.

He further described Vimbukhale as a modern educational facility equipped with cutting-edge teaching tools and a commitment to training teachers in computer-aided teaching methods.

“We are confident this investment will yield the outcomes we desire: educated, skilled graduates ready for the workforce,” he added.

Hlomuka highlighted the school’s opening as a significant step towards closing the gap between rural upbringing and urban opportunities.

He called on guardians and community leaders to safeguard the new infrastructure against vandalism, ensuring its longevity for future generations.

Sipho Ndaba, spokesperson for the African National Congress (ANC) in the Josiah Gumede Region, welcomed the substantial investment in Vimbukhale Primary School, which represented a commitment to cultivating a rich culture of education through effective service delivery.

“We are committed to supporting ANC deployees across various sectors to implement the ANC Manifesto effectively,” Ndaba affirmed.

DAILY NEWS