GQEBERHA – Construction has officially begun on a new school development in Lourdes Avenue, Lorraine, with the project set to take shape over the coming months.

If all goes according to plan, the facility is expected to be completed by September, with registration and enrolment planned for January 2027. The new independent institution, GQ Academy, will cater for young learners up to Grade R.

GQ Academy Founders Juanita Swart & HPS Trust shared the vision for the school.

“Our vision is to start up a pre-school, with young learners all the way up to Grade R. We will be registered with the Department of Education, and we will have aftercare clubs,” she shared. “And it is going to be a private learning institution in case we want to grow into a primary school.”

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The academy will include classrooms, a school hall, indoor play areas and secure outdoor spaces. Planned offerings also include indoor swimming lessons, robotics, aftercare and afternoon clubs.

Reaction to the development has already been mixed on social media and among nearby residents, with some welcoming the investment and others raising concerns about traffic congestion and construction activity.

With a background in education, Swart spent 10 years as a primary school teacher at Curro, before serving as head of school for three years. Speaking to PE Express, she said education has always been her passion.

“I’ve always been into education, starting as a primary school teacher and then HOD and head of school. It is what I do.”

Swart added that the project is expected to create employment opportunities: “It will create opportunities for teachers, ground staff and contractors to come on board.”

Correspondence between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Ward 8 councillor, Gustav Rautenbach, confirmed that building plans for the property were approved on March 27.

The municipality also confirmed that the site development plan has been approved, and that the property’s zoning already permits educational use, meaning no additional application process was required.

In correspondence shared by Rautenbach, Swart said the academy would comply fully with municipal zoning, safety and environmental requirements, as well as registration with the Department of Education.

Community response remains divided, with some residents welcoming the development, while others raising concerns about congestion, infrastructure strain and construction disruption.

One resident commented, “Why is this community so offended by change? And a positive change at that — a place where children get to learn, explore and grow all in a safe space.”

Others expressed concern about infrastructure and traffic impacts.

“Another development in an already overdeveloped area with ancient infrastructure tapping Chelsea,” one resident wrote.

A nearby homeowner claimed residents were not informed before construction began: “We now have to contend with trucks, forklifts, compactors and workers who shout to each other all day long.”

Concerns were also raised about parking and potential school drop-off congestion affecting surrounding streets, with one resident noting: “Luneville is already a race track …it’s going to be a traffic nightmare even if the entrance is in Lourdes Avenue.”

Ward 8 councillor, Gustav Rautenbach, has urged residents to contact his office for clarity before “making assumptions or jumping to conclusions.”

For more information on the academy, contact Juanita Swart at info@gqacademy.co.za

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