By Kwanele Ntombela and Phindile Shange
After months of renovations, a historic Durban high school was officially reopened by last week.
Dr JL Dube High School, in KwaMashu, north Durban, was officially reopened by KZN MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka on Thursday last week.
The school, which was established in 1979, was named after Dr John Langalibalele Dube, the founding president of the African National Congress.
The school’s comprehensive reconstruction comprises an impressive administration block, media room, computer room, science lab, 32 classrooms and a large sports ground. The construction of the new facilities was sponsored by the Cotton On Foundation.
Hlomuka expressed gratitude to stakeholders, and urged the 2024 matriculants to continue with their studies and attend Spring classes, as they have 31 days to prepare for the NSC examination.
“Today, we are officially opening the newly renovated Dr JL Dube High School (in) KwaMashu. Thanks to the Cotton on Foundation for helping with the donation of R75 million, (actress) Nomzamo Mbatha, the ambassador, who is originally from KwaMashu. Back in 1979, during apartheid, the school was vandalised, but today we are celebrating the new infrastructure.
“We would like the community to work together with us because this school is not for the government, but it is your school and you should take responsibility for maintaining it, in a safe manner. As the class of 2023 got a 100% matriculation pass rate, we would like to keep it that way (maintain the pass rate).”
The school principal, Sipho Magwaza, expressed his excitement about the new facilities, which will not only help with learning and teaching, but also with community development through various programmes.
“I am so glad to be standing on this premises with the government officials and the community. I wish the community can take responsibility for taking care of the school so that the next generation will be able to study in such a beautiful place as this. We also have a programme that allows people who didn’t meet the requirements to be enrolled in universities. This programme was funded by the Cotton On Foundation. They teach them the basic principles of working in retail stores, and after finishing the programme if they are lucky enough, they will be employed at retail stores.”
Thobile Ngwenya, a parent, expressed happiness at the school’s improved infrastructure.
“My child will now get a good education in a place that is clean and has good infrastructure. Teachers will now be able to give our children education that is at a high level, since they have a new computer lab that they can use for their assignments. Everything is in a good condition,” she said.
The school has transitioned from traditional chalkboard to interactive projector-based instruction, allowing teachers to provide personalised attention, identify knowledge gaps, and customise lessons for better learning outcomes.
