Central SA
New school facilities to be unveiled in Xhariep District─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:52 Thu, 18 Sep 2025
The Free State department of education is set to mark an exciting milestone in the Xhariep District, with the official opening of new school infrastructure that promises to transform teaching and learning.
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC for education Dr MJ Maboya will lead the handover at Trompsburg Primary in Trompsburg and Wongalethu Secondary School in Bethulie on Friday (19/9). At Trompsburg Primary School, the facilities include a nutrition centre and a classroom block.
At Wongalethu Secondary School, they include ablution facilities, a nutrition centre, technical classrooms for engineering, graphics and design, automotive, and construction workshops.
The new classroom block will be handed over. Photo supplied
“The investment in classrooms, workshops, and nutrition centres signals a brighter future for learners in the district, equipping them with the tools and spaces needed to thrive academically and socially,” said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.
“The completion of these facilities will significantly improve the learning environment, reinforcing the department’s commitment to providing quality education that is responsive and inclusive to all learners.”
Khanyeng school to reopen
Meanwhile, teaching and learning will resume on Monday (22/9) at Khanyeng Intermediate School in Bethlehem after the school was closed for three weeks due to the dire state of bathrooms and sewage flowing in the school yard.
The department has apologised to the learners, the parents, and the community of Thabo Mofutsanyana for the situation. “There was no teaching because parents were up in arms, saying they would not allow learners to be at school because of the situation there.
“But we have since engaged with the parents, and we had a very fruitful meeting on Wednesday with the SGBs, where we agreed that, in principle, learning and teaching will resume.
Interim measures in place
“There is a truck that will be delivering mobile toilets at the school, so that we can deal with the problem of the pressure on the sewer. But we have also spoken to the municipality to come and assist in draining the sewer so that it is emptied.
“And from Monday, learners will have to start with their exams until the end of the term, and we will have a catch-up plan to assist them in catching up on whatever they have not covered in the meantime.”
