By Levy Masiteng
In a significant step towards promoting STEM education, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has unveiled four new science laboratories in schools in Atteridgeville outside Pretoria.
The schools are Bokgoni Technical Secondary School, Hofmeyr High School, Edward Phatudi Comprehensive School, and Seaparankwe Primary School.
Department spokesperson Mawkhosonke Buthelezi told Inside Education that the schools were chosen because they offered science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.
The event twas also attended by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, and City of Tshwane MCC for roads and transport, Tlangi Mogale.
Buthelezi said the newly equipped laboratories were part of a collaborative initiative between public and private sector partners, including the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation, Huawei, and Avon and Dedisa.
“Public-private partnerships are important because government has limited resources, yet there’s a high demand for its services. Therefore, partnerships with the private sector for these projects is crucial for improvement in our communities,” he explained.
According to Buthelezi, the old science labs in the four schools needed to be revamped and equipped with modern technology.
“[Because of] Minister Ramokgopa, because of his passion about STEM subjects, he took it upon himself to mobilise private sector assistance to revamp the labs and have them equipped with modern technology,” he said.
During the unveiling, Mhlauli, highlighted the importance of investing in STEM education, particularly in township schools.
“Here today, we are right now at a primary school because we obviously want these young people or the learners to get involved in STEM subjects from the primary school phase,” she said.
Ramokgopa also emphasised the significance of STEM subjects in driving economic growth and increasing competitiveness.
“We are investing a lot in the STEM subjects because these are the frontiers of the future. They are the ones that are going to underpin our economic growth… and make our industries more and more competitive going into the future,” he said.
“STEM subjects are very important for learners to pursue as they influence innovation, particularly in technology and science.” Buthelezi added.
“The labs will give learners a head start by getting used to conducting experiments while still in high school, and they will be inspired to pursue careers in engineering and other related areas.”
The event was part of the Mandela Month commemorations, highlighting the importance of education and community service.
According to Buthelezi, they have already implemented a similar project in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, and plans for other provinces would be determined as time goes on.
Mhlauli and Ramokgopa concluded the event with inspiring and uplifting messages, expressing hope and optimism for the future.
“We are excited. We’ve now discussed that we should be able to roll it out going to different provinces going forward,” Mhlauli said.
“We want to grow it exponentially and expand its reach,” Ramokgopa said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
