R600m Mkhondo Boarding School officially opened
Construction of the school began in 2019, with various budget injections made over the years.
The state-of-the-art Mkhondo Boarding School in Zimbidleni Village, Mkhondo, has been completed. The school, which provides a beacon of hope for learners from disadvantaged communities, was officially opened by the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, on Tuesday, August 5.
Construction of the school began in 2019, with an initial budget of R200m and an estimated completion timeline of 18 months. However, the project has since received multiple budget injections, including R60m in November 2022, and R140m in November 2023.
According to Ndlovu, the project cost over R600m. He said the school accommodates 425 learners from 10 schools that had been closed down due to low enrolment numbers and boasts impressive facilities including 32 classrooms, a science lab, a recreational centre and a computer lab.
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“This no-fee boarding school is the sixth of its kind, and it is designed to address the challenges faced by learners and teachers in small and multi-grade schools,” he said.
Ndlovu added that the provincial government aims to provide quality education to learners from rural areas and those living below the breadline, and this school is set to make an important impact on the community in the area.
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“By investing in infrastructure and resources, the government hopes to bridge the gap in educational opportunities and empower young minds,” he said.
