CAPE TOWN- A new high school was officially opened at Ilitha Park today (13 January) to meet the demand for high school places in and around Khayelitsha.
Ilitha Park High School, which is still under construction, opened for Grades 8 and 9 learners.
Western Cape Department of Education, circuit manager at Metro East Education District (MEED) in Kuils River, Nokuzola Malgas said the school is being built in phases.
“The construction of the school started in the middle of last year. However, because of the demands and high number of learners who are on the waiting list the department decided to open it. But for now we are only taking Grade 8 and 9 learners. Other grades will follow as the years go by,” she stated, adding that each Grade has three classes.
She said there are 240 learners with six teachers, including the principal.
“Each classroom has 40 learners. The whole school when completed is expected to have 30 classrooms, including library and computer lab, without staff room and other offices,” she explained.
Malgas said they are expecting the stationery to be delivered next week.
Parent Nomazizi Mtini said she is relieved that her daughter is accepted at the school.
“I’m so happy that my child has finally got a school. I applied last year and my daughter was on the waiting list. I received a message from the department to come here. Now, I will be able to sleep,” said Mtini, adding her child is in Grade 8.
Ward 98 councillor Anele Gabuza said it is an honour to have another high school.
“There are three primary schools and four high schools in my ward. We want to make sure that all the children are at school. Their future is in their hands,” said Gabuza.
