A high school in Kokosi at Fochville, Thuto-Kitso Comprehensive School, has been given a makeover to make the education received by learners more applicable to our area.

On September 10, the Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, officially launched the Thuto Kitso Engineering School of Specialisation. This school will specifically focus on giving learners skills to continue in the agriculture and mining sector.

Before the onset of formalities, the MEC and guests were taken on a tour of some of the classes where special skills are taught to the learners. Learners such as Siyanda Gumede from Grade Nine displayed various items that they made with wood, such as a chair and study table, wine rack, and electromagnetic lifter. Other learners showed guests the knowledge and skills they had learned by checking petrol and diesel vehicle engines as well as other interesting projects.

A huge recycling machine built by engineering students also drew much attention. According to the Gauteng Department of Education, it has established 41 schools of specialisation to nurture talent and address critical skills shortages since 2016. These institutions offer a highly specialised curriculum targeting top-performing learners across the province.

According to Maile, Thuto Kitso’s specific focus on agriculture and mining aligns seamlessly with the Merafong Local Municipality area’s suitability for an agriculture- and mining-focused curriculum, reflecting the department’s commitment to advanced skills development.