Construction of the JG Zuma High School in KwaMashu, north of Durban is progressing well and once
completed, it will positively change the lives of young people attending the school. Picture: THEMBA KHUMALO

THE construction of a state-of-the-art high school in KwaMashu, M Section in ward 47 will serve as a vital tool in shaping youth from the ward and surrounding areas into great leaders ward 47 Councillor Cedric Ntshangase said.
Councillor Ntshangase said the modern high school, named after former President Jacob Zuma, was allocated a total budget of more than R60 million. “Education remains one of government’s top priorities. 

It is through the provision of quality education and skills that we can break the cycle of poverty in communities.” The JG Zuma High School will have about 40 new classrooms, six multipurpose classrooms and a media centre with a smart board, he explained. Councillor Ntshangase said the school will also have an administration block, storeroom as well as a strong room. “A kitchen, ablution facilities, flood wall, guard house as well as a mini soccer field are some of the facilities the school will have once completed.” He said the project has created several part-time jobs for local residents. “This project would have been completed a long time ago, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was brought to halt. 

This was due to building material being unavailable after the introduction of lockdown. We are very happy about the job opportunities that this project has brought. It is important that locals are employed when development is taking place in their community.” Aside from the construction of the new high school, Councillor Ntshangase said various other projects were in the pipeline while others were nearing completion in the ward. “There are traders’ stalls
that are almost complete in Bridge City, and we are also happy that the reconstruction of the Bridge City Mall is going well after it was damaged during the July unrest,” he said. 

themba.khumalo@durban.gov.za