PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Wittedrift High School is set to enrol the first 60 Grade 10 learners in its newly created Technical Engineering Faculty next year.
This was revealed in a Bitou council resolution, in which it decided to waive the nearly R300 000 augmentation levy for the development of the facility, that is sponsored by The Hands On Foundation.
The foundation's Saul Berman, its founder and trustee, said in a letter requesting the waiver that Wittedrift is well placed to cater for children from a wide and diverse socio-economic catchment area.
'Quality education'
Berman said the projects that The Hands On Foundation initiate aim to ensure that South Africa's youth, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, "have the opportunity to access quality education in technical and engineering fields and create a pathway to meaningful employment or entry into tertiary study in sectors critical to South Africa's economic growth".
Pilot projects
Berman said following the successful pilot implementation at Wynberg Boys' High School and at two LEAP Schools in Langa and Crossroads in Cape Town, the foundation has sought similar opportunities to make a difference.
"The Wittedrift High School has been selected by the foundation for the establishment of a Technical Engineering Faculty, and it is our aim to enrol the first 60 Grade 10 students in January 2026.
"Over time enrolment will expand to accommodate grades 10 to 12 in eight learning spaces, with the first classes matriculating in 2028," said Berman.
Variety of subjects
The Wittedrift High School Technical Engineering Faculty curriculum will run alongside the existing curriculum, and will offer a wide variety of technical subjects to its students.
It will also offer state-of-the-art practical facilities.
An artist's impression of the Wittedrift High School Technical Engineering Faculty building.
Being centrally situated on the Garden Route, with its 160-year legacy of excellence and an established boarding facility, Wittedrift High School "is well placed to cater for children from a wide and diverse socio-economic catchment area".
Solar panels
Bitou municipal manager Mbulelo Memani recommended the approval of the waiver for water and sanitation augmentation levies on the new building.
He said the waiver of the electrical augmentation fee should "be conditional to the installation of solar panels". He also said that water harvesting measures, such as rainwater tanks for non-potable water, should be installed.
Buy-a-Brick initiative
Bitou mayor Jessica Kamkam said the council was fully behind the project and encourages the broader Plettenberg Bay community to show their support, particularly by contributing to the Buy-a-Brick initiative to raise funds.
"The establishment of this facility will significantly benefit local students who wish to pursue technical subjects.
'Greater opportunities'
"Currently they are required to travel to George - the nearest area offering such programmes.
"This development will provide them with access to technical education without the burden of long commutes, ensuring greater opportunities for skills development within our community," said Kamkam.
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