H Yawa on opening of Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa Comprehensive High
School

28 July 2006

The handover of Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa Comprehensive High School by MEC
for Public Works, Honourable Howard Yawa on Thursday brought much joy,
ululation and dancing to Winterveldt learners who had endured three years of
learning under trees and in tents.

The delivery of the R8,1 million school building project to the community of
Slovoville in Winterveldt also brought the realisation of community’s wish to
honour Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa for his contribution to the liberation
struggle, transformation of the education system, his commitment to community
up-liftment and development.

The former Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane was an ardent human rights
activist and campaigner against apartheid and Bantu Education during the
struggle for liberation. He was one of the founding Members of the National
Education Co-ordinating Committee.

Addressing the audience, MEC Yawa said that since the expansion of the
definition of the term “under the trees” to include learners who study in mud
schools, or under dangerous conditions that expose learners and educators to
ailments, his department has stepped up its delivery programme to ensure that
the expectations of its client, the Department of Education, are met.

Yawa commended the community for its patience and for believing in
government’s commitment to address the inherited infrastructure backlog created
by the twin evils of colonialism and apartheid in communities. He further
applauded the community for supporting the contractor and consequently ensuring
the completion of the project three months ahead of schedule.

The eighteen class roomed school includes an administration block, four
heads of department’s offices, a science laboratory, a computer room, two
special function rooms, four stationery stores, two special rooms and thirty
six toilets.

Encouraging the community to look after the facility, MEC Yawa said, “As
decades of deprivation and neglect give way to a new age of hope and
development, let us jealously protect what Freedom and Democracy has brought
for us.”

He reiterated government’s congratulations to the Winterveldt Community as
made during the sod-turning event for the project on the 8 July 2005 as
follows: “We wish to reiterate our congratulations to the community of
Winterveldt for recognising and honouring the contribution of a selfless,
dedicated and humble servant of our people and the continent, the Honourable
Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa.”

In acknowledging the recognition bestowed upon him, the Former Deputy
Minister of Education, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, now President of the United
Cities and Local Governments of Africa, said that he was humbled and challenged
by the naming of the school after him.

He encouraged educators at the school to strive for excellence as the
facility provides an environment conducive to learning and teaching. “Your
perseverance has laid the foundation for success. It is now up to you to
produce future leaders, scientists and engineers.”

The colourful handover function also marked the formal launch of the
Provincial Programme in support of National Construction Week. It was graced by
among others the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council for the Build
Environment, Dr Malindi Neluheni, Members of Parliament and the North West
Provincial legislature, Councillors of the City of Tshwane, construction sector
professionals and senior government officials.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Works and Infrastructure,
Councillor Subesh Pillay representing the Executive Mayor of the City of
Tshwane, opened the school on behalf of MEC for Education, Honourable Rev O J
Tselapedi.

Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (018)387 2447
Cell: 083 629 1987

Issued by: Department of Public Works, North West Provincial
Government
28 July 2006