Tsakani – James Nkosi Primary School has been chosen to represent Brazil in the 2025 G20 Schools Programme. The G20 Schools Programme refers to South Africa’s initiatives under its 2025 G20 presidency to address educational priorities, including quality foundational learning, mutual recognition of qualifications, and professional development for educators in a changing world.

James Nkosi has twinned with Nigel Primary School to share resources and equip learners equally with skills and knowledge to produce innovators.

The blend of the two schools has creatively named Jamigel, and allows learners to grow in global understanding and leadership.

The collaboration began last year and incorporated a wide range of cultural, artistic, and sporting activities. Learners participated in events such as a sports festival, a concert, a sustainability speech contest, and exhibitions showcasing Brazilian culture through music, dance, food, and national symbols.

The programme will soon conclude with a grand concert celebrating Brazilian arts.

When Nkosana Vala took over as principal at the school in 2016, the school endured several burglaries.

Vala mentioned he always prioritised his school with the vision of making it a respectable school in Duduza. His first step towards that vision was to fix the school fence and install cameras on the school premises.

“I remember the last major burglary in 2018. The suspect was caught on camera, identified by the community, and that was the turning point,” he said.

Vala’s greatest desire was to transform the school into a centre of technology, though he admitted it was not easy.

“There was resistance from some community members who feared change. I continued despite the challenges, supported by parents and the school governing body. Step by step, we refurbished classrooms and converted them into smart learning spaces,” explained Vala.

In 2017, the school purchased laptops for every teacher, and they started with interactive boards in the senior grades. The foundation phase classes received projectors and pull-down screens.

“The pull-down screens are a blend of technology and traditional learning.We wanted learners to continue practicing handwriting while benefiting from digital tools.

”Teachers can now project work, take pictures of incomplete exercises, and display them for the class to complete seamlessly,” added Vala.

“We use technology creatively, with learners enjoying activities such as movie days organised across all classrooms at once.
The transformation did not stop at infrastructure.”

James Nkosi Primary partnered with the Click Foundation to provide programmes such as Mindspark for mathematics and Reading Eggs for English.

These interventions strengthen learning while assessing progress in real time. The school is also a mathematics, science, and technology school, and is piloting coding and robotics.

“It has not been an easy road. We received a lot of criticism and pushbacks when we implemented ICT,” he said.

Part of Vala’s vision is to move towards a paperless environment. Tablets are being introduced into the school’s learning system to replace textbooks.

Teachers manage these devices responsibly, ensuring learners can access e-books both in class and at home.

“Carrying a heavy bag is unnecessary when a single tablet can hold all learning material. We want learners to be future-ready,” shared Vala.

Vala’s journey in life shaped his vision as a principal. He once disliked teaching and aspired to study law, but life redirected him towards the education sector.

“I worked in the private sector before committing to teaching and bringing a businesslike mindset into school management.

“I realised our education system was designed to produce workers rather than innovators. I wanted to change that.

“At James Nkosi, we run the school with innovation and have accountability at the centre,” he emphasised.

The school has not only excelled academically under his leadership but has also become a model for others, inspiring more schools to follow in its footsteps.

Several schools in the district have adopted James Nkosi’s ICT practices. The school has won several awards for excellence, with its learners progressing strongly into secondary education.

“The school has partnerships with sponsors such as MNS Attorneys, Duduza Sasol and several other entities. Sponsors have provided uniforms, tablets, and resources, ensuring learners receive opportunities regardless of their background.

“Today, James Nkosi Primary School stands as a beacon of what vision, resilience, and community collaboration can achieve.

“I see children learning with confidence, parents proud of the school, and teachers embracing innovation. And that is the reward,” he noted.

The school’s U13 boys’ soccer team will represent Gauteng East in the upcoming Kay Motsepe Soccer Championship. Dates are still to be confirmed, but the team hopes to bring the trophy home.