Public information meeting re new high school that's to open in 2029

SCHOOL NEWS - The plans for the new high school in Stander Street are progressing, and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is aiming to open its doors in January 2029.

WCED communications director Bronagh Hammond has confirmed that the school, to be built on Erf 6979, will accommodate up to 1 120 learners and will have a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem).

The school will have 30 standard and four specialist classrooms.

Hammond said the department is awaiting feedback on an application for a construction work permit submitted to the Department of Labour before the construction can start. “Once the permit has been issued, the construction programme will be finalised and a completion date established.”

She said although the school is intended to open in 2029, the construction timelines depend on various factors, including weather conditions, the availability of materials and community stability and support.

According to the site development plan, the school will have rugby and netball fields, and provision has been made for possible future expansion.

Hammond said this could involve facilities such as a swimming pool or additional classrooms. “That would be determined in future, according to the needs of the school.”

Community invited to information meeting

Residents in the surrounding area have raised concerns about the potential impact of increased traffic once the school opens, and more specifically about the location of the main entrance gate in Stander Street, right opposite the Genevafontein Retirement Village.

The contractor, H and I Construction, has given notice of an information meeting at Pine Lodge on Monday 16 November, when any such concerns can be raised. It will take place from 18:30 to 20:30.

An architect’s rendition of the new school in George East. Image: WCED

At the information meeting, the following items will be on the agenda:

Introduction and overview of the construction project;
Anticipated construction activities and project programme;
Local employment and subcontracting participation opportunities;
Community participation and stakeholder engagement procedures;
The role and establishment of a project liaison committee (PLC), where applicable;
Integrated Development Plan (IDP) discussion - the school is part of George Municipality’s IDP;
Communication procedures and questions from the community.

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