Isikhalisezwe

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ISIKHALISEZWE HIGH SCHOOL

The Independent Development Trust (IDT) attended the official opening of Isikhalisezwe High School on Friday, 01 August 2025, in Newcastle under Amajuba District Municipality. The project was implemented by IDT on behalf of the KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Education. The official opening of the school was officiated by the MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka and the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Mr Thami Ntuli. The Premier Mr Thami Ntuli, was joined by several stakeholders from different spheres of Government, including the local Tribal Authority.

The premier welcomed everyone and highlighted the significance of the day. “We are here to launch a school that the community of Madadeni has long been requesting.

Isikhalisezwe High School is situated in Madadeni, within the Amajuba District Municipality under Newcastle Local Municipality ward 6. The site was handed over to the contractor on the 26^th March 2023 and the construction commenced on the 6^th April 2023. The project created 201 job opportunities for local community members and local sub-contractors and suppliers were also given preference during construction of the school, these included 33 male adults, 23 female adults, 140 youth, People with disabilities 5. The total project cost was R83 181 369. 42. Isikhalisezwe High School accommodates 1567 Learners. The school is a dynamic Quintile 2 “no‑fee” public school, empowers Grades 8–12 learners with quality education and a wide range of extra-curricular—from soccer and netball to entrepreneurship through the inspiring Project Zulu.

The project included the following scope of work, Demolition of old structures – face brick blocks to be retained, 1 x Administration Block, 30 x Classrooms, 5 x HOD Offices 6 x Multipurpose Classrooms, 1 x Team Teaching Block, 1 x Media Centre, 1 x SNP Kitchen, 1 x Counselling Suite, 1 x General Storeroom, 1 x Garden Store,1 x Gate House, 1 x Disabled Toilet, 39 x Parking Bays, 1 x Soccer Sports field, 1 x Netball Court, 1 x Combi Court, 1 x Assembly Area. The project reached practical completion on the 3^rd April 2025 and the duration was 24 months.

MEC addressed the gathering and expressed his appreciation for the work done at the school. He emphasised the importance of providing better school facilities. The MEC Mr. Sipho Hlomuka also appreciated that the IDT delivered the on time and within budget. Additionally, he highlighted the important role of the Department of Education in improving the education system in KwaZulu-Natal and changing the province’s narrative.

As a commemorative sign, the plaque was unveiled by the Hon. Thami Ntuli, Premier for KwaZulu-Natal and the MEC for Education, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education continues to work tirelessly in ensuring the delivery of quality basic education to all in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.