A decades-long push for a secondary school in Etete has received a major boost, with the project included in the provincial Department of Education’s 2027/28 Infrastructure Management Plan.

The proposed Kaduphi Magwaza Secondary School, planned for Ward 7, could accommodate about 1 200 pupils.

The need for the school was first identified more than two decades ago, with land in Etete previously earmarked for educational purposes.

Pupils from Etete have been forced to travel to schools in surrounding areas, placing pressure on existing facilities.

Plans submitted by the department include 30 classrooms, a computer room, administration block, National School Nutrition Programme kitchen and assembly area.

However, a land shortage remains a hurdle.

An inspection found that the available municipal land is not large enough to accommodate all the facilities required for a technical high school.

The municipality has therefore been asked to identify and secure about one hectare of additional land adjoining the site.

The department has nevertheless confirmed that planning will continue while the municipality works to resolve the land issue.