Rebuilt school offers skills in electronics and automotive sectors
The state-of-the-art school will offer skills in electronics and automotive sectors for young learners.
The newly rebuilt Ribane-Laka Maths, Science and ICT school of specialisation, worth R148-million, officially opened on Wednesday.
The state-of-the-art school is advanced in the 4th Industrial Revolution, offering learners skills in electronics and the automotive sectors at an early age.
The official opening was attended by the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane, MEC of Infrastructure Development and COGTA Jacob Mamabolo and Head of Department for Education Rufus Mmutlana. Other stakeholders included officials from Tasez Automotive, SAAB Grintek Defence, Ford, and Lanseria Airport.
“We are not just opening a school, we are opening portals of infinite possibilities,” said Chiloane.
He said Ribane-Laka School of Specialisation is a school with so much history, dating back to 1924, and it’s the 36th school of its kind to be established since the inception of this flagship in 2016.
“When the Schools of Specialisation programme was conceptualised, its primary objective was to cultivate exceptional talent across essential disciplines, thereby developing the republic’s future leadership cohort,” said Chiloane.
“The facility is incorporating state-of-the-art technology, advanced laboratories for scientific experimentation, modernised information and communications technology infrastructure and a multi-purpose auditorium.”
It also has specialised facilities specifically designed for automotive and electronics education.
“The inauguration of Ribane-Laka as a Mathematics, Science and Information and Communications Technology School of Specialisation with a focus on automotive and electronics disciplines represents the manifestation of that strategic vision,” said Chiloane.
“It must be emphasised, however, that the physical transformation represents only one dimension of the development,” he added.
The true significance lies in the educational possibilities these facilities enable, specifically, a pedagogical approach that establishes direct connections between academic instruction and professional application.
The school’s specialisation in automotive and electronics disciplines is strategically aligned with the economic development objectives established for the Northern Development Corridor.
“We are establishing a centre of technological excellence that will directly support the economic imperatives of our province.”
He told learners, “Your education at this school will go beyond exposure to the Fourth Industrial Revolution; it will equip you to assume leadership positions within it”.
He further pleaded with the learners to maintain excellence, continue innovative endeavours and persistently strive for the highest achievements, despite any obstacles encountered.
Chiloane further encouraged the school principal, Martha Ngoma and her 56 dedicated educators to continue working hard because their commitment to educational excellence is evident in all aspects of the school.
“We chose Ribane-Laka because at one stage they gave us 100% success,” Lesufi said.
“Today, we are launching education for purpose, where our children are not going to be taught things that are not going to assist them. Where our children are not going to be taught things that are going to be irrelevant when they leave school.”
Lesufi further encouraged the learners and the community of Mamelodi to take care of the school.
Ngoma said the greatest appreciation goes to her Ribane-Laka staff for their unwavering commitment and love for the African child.
During the launch, learners displayed a wide knowledge of the automotive sector through narration, skits and songs.
Mamabolo officially handed over the keys to the school to the Premier of Gauteng and the MEC for education, who then handed them to the school principal.
MEC Mamabolo also added: “We plead with the community to protect this investment we have made as the Gauteng Government, to guard it from all forms of vandalism and misconduct, and ensure that it benefits many generations to come.”
Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone also signed a memorandum of understanding with the school to offer support, with the guarantee that the school learners will always be welcome to visit Tasez.
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