Limpopo - Learners attending rural schools in Limpopo will no longer have to walk great distances, thanks to the opening of three new schools by President Kgalema Motlanthe.
The President on Thursday officially opened the R40 million Savengwena High School in Nwamitwa, just outside Tzaneen as well as two primary schools costing R35 million each in Polokwane.
Speaking at the opening of the high school, President Motlanthe said government intends building more schools in rural areas to empower rural communities.
"It is important for government not to settle for less when it comes to schools, but it must build more state-of-the-art schools. Education plays a critical role in the upliftment of communities," the President said.
The new high school consists of a computer centre, science laboratory, home economics centre, library, biology laboratory and a 1000 capacity school hall.
The classrooms are modernly designed with each containing a small book storage facility which can also serve as an educator's office.
One of the learners at the new school, Vonani Mkansi, 16, in Grade 9 told BuaNews that she hopes to pass her exams with high marks.
"In the past it was difficult to concentrate during lessons because we were overcrowded and tired from walking long distances," she said.
Education Minister Naledi Pandor was delighted that more money had been allocated to education.
According to Minister Pandor, for this financial year, R5 billion had been allocated to education. "We will now build proper schools for South Africans," she said.
After opening the high school, President Motlanthe proceeded to Polokwane were he opened the two primary schools.
The primary schools contain a nutrition centre, fully equipped admin block, a library and a toy library.
