Gauteng Education Department launches a school of specialisation in Katlehong

Mpilisweni Secondary School will now join Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation as the second school of specialisation in Katlehong.

This follows the official launch of what is now known as Mpilisweni Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation, with a focus on manufacturing and logistics.

It was launched by the Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, at Nguni Section, Katlehong, on February 13.
According to the education department, the school specialises in manufacturing and logistics because of the economic development corridor it is located in.

Learners from the school demonstrated a wide array of advanced skills during the official launch.

These include a smart truck they built that uses solar power instead of petrol. Learners exhibited extensive knowledge in DNA profiling, using biotechnology and gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA.

The school also features a driving simulator, which can simulate real-world environments. Other inventions included a solar tracking panel which detects light sources similar to a sunflower, as well as a Li-Fi-connected sound system.

The crown jewel of the learner’s creation is a smart factory that uses smart automation to operate and produce bread from scratch.

Girl learners first exhibited a model of the factory, which includes automation and mechatronics they envision using in the future.

The MEC had the opportunity of viewing the actual factory, and getting a taste of the bread. The school sells the loaves of bread to schools in surrounding areas, local tuck-shops and the public at R9.90 a loaf.

The factory is a result of the partnership between the Gauteng Department of Education and Sifiso Edtech, which is invested in providing real-world applications of innovative technology in education.

Albany is also a partner, with their baking expertise, fusing the learner’s knowledge with practical resources that do not only result in mere loaves of bread but essentially nurture the minds and bodies of learners and ultimately the community.

Grade 10 learner Lihle Gxegxe (15) from Ngema Section was part of the group of learners who presented the smart transport and logistics project.

She said the school’s upgrade was a great improvement, noting learning in a new environment will help them because they can learn new things like other schools and since they are in the fourth industrial revolution they will be able to interact with technology.

“I am enjoying information technology and our teacher assisted a lot with the projects,” Gxegxe.

Another Grade 10 learner Siphikazi Nzwane (15) from the Twala Section said what the department has done is wonderful.

“We are all different. Not every learner is serious about school but I am glad about what will come to our school and will be passionate about studying, especially, math, physical science and other subjects.”

Grade 10 learner Singonile Latyisi (15) said this project has opened opportunities because they currently have sponsors which makes it easy for them to be recognised.

She said she was still trying to identify her favourite subject but she enjoys IT.

The department’s survey indicates that most parents prefer to enrol their children at Mpilisweni, due to the quality of teaching and the improved performance.

“It is through this background, consistent performance, and in this developing community, that we launch an innovative school of specialisation to produce the province’s model citizens. Learners at Mpilisweni will benefit from a wide array of skills within the manufacturing and logistics industry that reach beyond the standard curriculum,” said Chiloane.

Mpilisweni obtained 99.2 % with the group of learners who wrote matric in 2023. It has maintained a 90% plus matric pass rate for the past three years.

Mpilisweni deputy principal, Ester Nxumalo, said the department’s initiative has come with benefits, pointing out that the school now has five labs for ICT, math and science classes. They also boast with a math park thanks to sponsors.

She said they are proud and happy as a school but emphasised it did not come easy.

Nxumalo said when she started as the deputy principal in 2016, the school was at a 52% pass rate and they have been improving.

She said the school will phase out certain subjects, such as tourism and history, to focus on subjects that they specialise in.

“I am confident the school will meet the MEC’s expectations. If we can achieve so much in five years, moving from 52% to 99.2%, then nothing is impossible.”