TZANEEN – Planning for Tzaneen High School is progressing but still has unresolved issues, according to Felix Nomvela, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Tzaneen circuit manager.

Nomvela is excited about the new school, which will be the third high school in Tzaneen, relieving pressure from Ben Vorster High School and Merensky Agricultural Academy.

In January this year, Tzaneen High School enrolled its first Gr 8 class with 54 learners, two teachers, and four mobile classrooms, sharing facilities with Unity Primary School near Van Velden Hospital.

Initially, the plan was to add a Gr 9 class in 2025, but due to resource shortages, only Gr 8 will be enrolled again in 2025.

Nomvela highlighted that Ben Vorster and Merensky face high application volumes and often turn away learners due to limited space. Merensky also enrols learners from Modjadjiskloof and outside Tzaneen, causing local learners missing out on admission.

The school is planned to be built in Flora Park near Unicorn Preparatory in Tzaneen on land donated by the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) in 2014. However, GTM reclaimed the land in 2021 due to a lack of progress. The DBE recommitted to the project in 2022, appointing a service provider to handle the 3D ground plan and technical aspects.

Negotiations are ongoing between the DBE, GTM, and the Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure, Nomvela told the Herald.

GTM has indicated a lack of budget for bulk services (water and electricity) and has requested the department to provide a feasibility plan on the provision of septic toilets and a borehole for water before the council can reconsider the re-donation of land.

Nomvela concluded by stating that rigorous meetings with all stakeholders are being held to ensure the project’s success.