By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Thursday launched the Vorentoe Sports School of Specialisation in Johannesburg, with the province using the event to showcase its 38th specialist school and a new private-sector investment in the campus.
The Gauteng Department of Education said ION Holdings would build new classrooms, upgrade parking and sports facilities, and contribute towards a new pavilion at the school, in efforts to link academic performance with elite sport development.
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Chiloane said the launch marked “a massive milestone for education and school sports” in the province.
Vorentoe now joins Gauteng’s growing network of Schools of Specialisation, which are designed to develop talent in targeted disciplines while keeping learners in mainstream public education.
Vorentoe offers 11 sporting codes, including volleyball, hockey, tennis, netball, chess, cricket, soccer, rugby and athletics.
It’s facilities include a hockey field, cricket oval and tennis and netball courts.
During the launch, learners staged demonstrations across several sporting codes, while also presenting a custom-built sports app developed at the school.
Vorentoe has produced high-profile athletes including Banyana Banyana’s Amanda Nthandi and former Kaizer Chiefs player Itumeleng Shopane.
The boys’ cross-country team had been North Vaal champions for 15 years, while the girls’ team had won 13 titles in the last 15 years.
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According to the department, Vorentoe posted a 94.1% matric pass rate in 2024 and improved that to 94.9% in 2025.
It said that the school would introduce sports-related subjects such as Sports Science and Sports Management, while learners would also be able to leave school with additional accredited skills through a Multi-Certification Skills Programme.
“Vorentoe Sports School of Specialisation is not just an institution, it is a beacon of hope, a centre of excellence, and a symbol of what can be achieved when knowledge, sport, and community come together,” Chiloane said.
“Let us continue to build on this proud legacy, ensuring that Vorentoe Sports SOS remains the key that unlocks success for generations to come.”
