New schools open 
Pupils and parents overjoyed with new schools close to their homes
by Mazwi Ngcobo

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Joy knows no bounds for Samkelo Njokweni and many other kids in Cato Manor as the new school year begins. Samkelo is one of the many kids who are able to attend school in their own neighbourhood since the completion of three new schools in Cato Manor.

A new school has just been opened across the road from Samkelo's home in Chesterville Extension.

But that is not the only reason Samkelo is happy, he is happy because his brand new school is a modern facility complete with a multi-purpose laboratory where he can do his McGyver tricks for technical subjects.

The primary school in Chesterville Extension (west of the N2 freeway) is one of three new schools that have opened in Cato Manor for the 2000 academic year. This EU funded school will accommodate learners from the surrounding new housing projects such as Nsimbini, Chesterville Extension Phases 1, 2 and 3, Chesterville Incremental, and North and South of Booth Road.

Importantly the primary school in Chesterville will accommodate new pupils as well as pupils from HP Ngwenya Primary School in Chesterville which has had to relocate because the old school was in poor condition.

While Samkelo is proud of his new school, kids in Cato Crest are also pleased with the secondary school that has opened its doors to 226 grade 8 pupils who had graduated from the Mayville primary school. For them, the arduous task of travelling to Overport and Chatsworth has come to an end.

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"My two kids have been staying with my sister in Chatsworth so that they can attend secondary school. This year they will be staying with me and I can keep pace with their education progress," said a relieved parent.

No stationery
Sadly though the school has not received any stationery yet. Acting principal Bongani Mncube blames the late arrival of books on the supplier, and not the Education Department.

The EU funded secondary school, which is partly complete, forms part of a multi-purpose centre which includes a primary school, a library, a community hall and sports fields.