GQEBERHA – David Livingstone Senior Secondary School in Schauderville, officially opened a new chapter on Thursday 23 July, when Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane handed over the redeveloped campus, marking the completion of a years-long infrastructure project aimed at improving teaching and learning.

The ceremony was attended by learners, educators, government officials and community members, who gathered to celebrate the completion of the upgraded school.

Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade said the redevelopment reflected government’s commitment to providing safe, modern and well-equipped schools that would prepare learners for future careers.

“The official handover of David Livingstone Senior Secondary School is a significant milestone in advancing quality education and expanding access to world-class learning facilities,” he said.

“This investment reflects government’s commitment to creating safe, modern and well-equipped schools that empower learners with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to excel.”

Gade said strengthening teaching and learning, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), would help prepare learners for careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans, entrepreneurs and other professionals who would shape the future of the country.

House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and Public Participation, Cedric Frolick, said the school had produced generations of leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and active citizens, and that the new facilities would build on that proud legacy.

“The official handover of David Livingstone Senior Secondary School is a celebration of what can be achieved when government and communities work together to invest in the future of our children,” he said.

School principal, Ashley Stuurman, reflected on the school’s academic journey and said the upgraded facilities would provide learners with an environment where they could thrive.

“Every doctor, engineer, teacher, entrepreneur, scientist and leader begins their journey in a classroom,” he said.

“Through its commitment to academic excellence and inclusive education, the school is nurturing the next generation of professionals and changemakers.”

According to the Office of the Premier, the redevelopment includes new classrooms, a modern administration block, a science laboratory, a library, a computer room, upgraded ablution facilities, sports facilities, improved security infrastructure and extensive external works to create a modern learning environment.

In a statement following the handover, the ANC in the Eastern Cape welcomed the official opening of the school, describing it as a R149.6 million investment that demonstrates the party’s commitment to improving public education.

The ANC said the upgraded campus provides learners and educators with modern classrooms, upgraded science and computer laboratories, improved administration facilities, enhanced accessibility and a safe learning environment.

The official handover marks the completion of a project that has been years in the making. While the provincial government celebrated the completion of the redevelopment, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said the project began in 2014 and was originally scheduled for completion in June 2019.

The party claims the project’s budget increased from R71.5 million to a reported R170 million and has called for the matter to be referred to the Eastern Cape Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) for an investigation into the delays, cost escalation, payment issues and accountability.

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