The Department of Basic Education and the Mpumalanga Department of Education visited Hoërskool Rob Ferreira on Wednesday, January 22.

The delegation included the minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube, and deputy minister, Reginah Mhaule, the Mpumalanga MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, the national director of basic education, Hubert Mweli, the Mpumalanga Department of Education’s HOD, Lucy Moyane, and other senior members of the national and provincial departments of education.

During their visit, Rob Ferreira’s principal, Dawie Oberholzer, gave the department a brief overview of the school’s previous achievements and current challenges. The discussions were productive, with both parties highlighting Rob Ferreira’s stable environment, which has led to a high Grade 12 pass rate over the decades. This achievement was attributed to the school’s governance, leadership, management and standard of education.

Rob Ferreira’s ability to offer at least 12 different sports codes with good infrastructure was also noted. Over the past 70 years, the school has produced more than 100 learners who represented South Africa or obtained national colours in sport. Oberholzer said the school was also tracking its learners’ many meritorious tertiary achievements after school.

The MEC stated that the department has budgeted for two new schools in White River, and the department thanked the school governing bodies of Rob Ferreira and White River Primary School for their pivotal roles. The delegation visited the school’s four large and well-equipped technical subject classes next to its dance studio.

They also observed the interhouse swimming gala that was taking place. The visit ended with a meal at the Rob Legacy Clubhouse, overlooking a large number of learners practising athletics. The day went a long way to helping strengthen the relationships between the schools and the department.