Minister Gwarube welcomes launch of VW Leap 9 Maths and Science School in Kwanobuhle, Kariega
Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has welcomed Volkswagen South Africa’s investment in the new LEAP 9 Maths and Science School in Kariega, describing it as an important example of how government and business can work together to expand educational opportunity.
Speaking at the launch today, Minister Gwarube emphasised the critical role of partnerships in addressing South Africa’s substantial school infrastructure needs. “Government has the primary responsibility for providing quality public education, but the scale of our infrastructure requirements demands that we mobilise every available resource. Responsible private sector partnerships can help us accelerate investment in the environments in which our children learn,” said Minister Gwarube.
The Department of Basic Education estimates that approximately R120 billion is required for additional classrooms and sanitation facilities to meet current demand across the public education system. Growing learner numbers and a constrained fiscal environment compound this challenge.
Minister Gwarube thanked Volkswagen South Africa for its contribution, saying the company’s investment was particularly significant in a province with a major automotive and manufacturing sector.
The Minister said the LEAP 9 Maths and Science School aligns with the Department’s Strong Foundations, Strong Futures strategy, which seeks to improve foundational literacy and numeracy while strengthening the pipeline into mathematics, science, technology and other gateway subjects.
“That eight out of ten children cannot read for meaning by the age of ten should concern every South African. We must strengthen the foundations of learning if we want young South Africans to succeed in STEM fields and participate meaningfully in our economy,” said Gwarube.
She added that Volkswagen’s “Cradle to Career” approach reflects the importance of sustained investment in human capital.
“The learners at LEAP 9 are future engineers, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. Some may one day contribute to the very industries that drive the Eastern Cape economy. Investing in their education is an investment in the province’s future.”
Minister Gwarube called on more businesses to partner with government to expand access to quality infrastructure, strengthen mathematics and science education, and expose learners to career opportunities.
“The Eastern Cape has enormous human potential. We must ensure that geography or circumstances of birth never place a ceiling on a young person’s ambition,” she concluded.
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