THE R67,7 million Krazukile Secondary School (SS) in Centane was officially handed over by the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) joined by the MEC for Education, Fundile Gade on 13 February 2025. It is the third of four schools being handed over by Coega as the implementing agent during the 2024/25 financial year.
During his keynote address, MEC Gade emphasised the importance of education, specifically improving science, mathematics and technology, as well as the vital contribution of educational institutions, like Krazukile SS, in upskilling youth. The school is aiming for a 90% matric pass rate for 2025.
The Krazukile SS, which falls under the Eastern Cape Province School Building Programme, underscores Coega’s commitment to advancing quality education through the development of essential public infrastructure in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.
Krazukile learner, Zakiwe Mhlaluka (16), expressed pride in her school’s facilities, including the new computer lab.
“I’m so happy. The new school infrastructure has improved the learning environment. It’s so good to see the change. My favourite part is the new computer lab,” said Mhlaluka.
he completed Krazukile project includes a comprehensive array of facilities: six refurbished classrooms, two new classrooms, an administration block, a dining and nutrition centre, a multi-purpose classroom, a gatehouse, a refuse room, a concrete assembly area, a parking area, a science lab, a combined library and computer lab, and rainwater tanks and fencing.
In addition to providing a conducive learning environment, the project contributed significantly to community upliftment through the employment of 18 local small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), creating a total of 51 jobs during construction. This exemplifies Coega’s commitment to socioeconomic development and job creation.
Thembeka Poswa, Coega programme director for the Eastern Cape Department of Education portfolio, emphasised two key priorities: engaging local SMMEs in the construction process and fostering an enabling environment for learners.
“Infrastructure development in the remote rural areas of our province is vital in terms of bridging the gap that exists between these areas and our urban economic centres. The benefits are two-fold; the construction phase initiates the socioeconomic impact through SMME employment, and once complete, the children in these communities have a conducive environment to prepare for future success,” said Poswa.
The opening of Krazukile Secondary School marks another milestone in Coega’s ongoing collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
By providing state-of-the-art educational facilities, and contributing to the advancement of excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through its Maths and Science Programme, Coega continues to play a pivotal role in driving socioeconomic development and building a more prosperous future for South Africa.
