Middelburg – A new school worth R67 million in Rockdale, expected to be completed next February, is poised to ease the financial burden from parents who use their last coins for school transportation.
“I’ll finally be able to walk the twins to school. It’s tough managing these expenses every month when I’m not working and relying on my husband,” says Mariah Skhosana, a parent who is currently unemployed.
She says she spends over a thousand rands each month just on transportation and lunch for her two grade R twins. With the new school just a stone’s throw from her house, promises to lessen her load, allowing her to redirect funds toward other essential needs.
Nomalanga Qoka, also a parent residing less than 300 meters from the school, said: “With my 6-year-old daughter advancing to grade 2 next year, I can finally breathe easy. No more worrying about the monthly R450 transport fees,” she shared enthusiastically.
The new school will accommodate more than 900 learners from grade R to grade 7, with 24 classrooms, including two dedicated grade R classrooms, six sets of restroom facilities, a computer center, a science lab and a kitchen.
According to the Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT), the construction phase created opportunities for eight local subcontractors led by Sibongile Thembisile Florence Trading JV as the primary contractor.
On 26 August 2025, MEC Thulasizwe Thomo made an oversight visit to the school to evaluate its progress. “The MEC expressed satisfaction with the considerable advancements made at the location, noting the impressive scale of completed work,” said department spokesperson Frederick Dhlamini. “The project is advancing well and remains on track with its timeline. Overall, the site reflects a well-managed and efficient construction process, with clear alignment to both the scope and schedule. So far no challenges.”
Mpumalanga Department of Education spokesperson Gerald Sambo said the department is prioritising the establishment of schools within close proximity to residential areas.
“This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on students who would otherwise need to travel long distances to attend school, while also easing the financial strain on parents regarding transportation costs,” he said. “Additionally, this effort ensures that students have straightforward access to their schools, fostering greater involvement from the community in educational activities.”
Jacob Maseko, resident also member of the project steering committee (PSC), said that the establishment of a school signifies the ongoing development of the Steve Tshwete municipality, particularly focusing on Rockdale. “Building a school in an emerging area like Rockdale goes without saying. It will also help alleviate the strain on the two existing schools, which have been facing overcrowded classrooms,” he noted.
He added that this new school will also help alleviate the morning and after-school traffic congestion at Khulanolwazi Primary School, where the school is currently renting since 2021. “Those times can be chaotic, with peak traffic from teachers’ cars, school transport, and parents dropping off their kids,” he said.
Sizwe Zulu, the councillor for ward 6, emphasised that the school will play a vital role in fostering a culture of ongoing education. “This commitment will ultimately equip young people with essential critical thinking and problem-solving abilities,” he noted. Zulu also made a heartfelt plea to the community to help protect the school. “We should embrace a sense of pride in our school, as it reflects the aspirations outlined in the ward’s IDP. Therefore we strongly urge everyone to avoid vandalising these important public spaces. It’s disheartening when protests turn into destruction of our buildings.”
