By Ncaba Ntshakala
“A Nkwe-ful Government delivers!”
For Anna Mlotsa, a 65-year-old resident of Lunkuntfu, the commissioning of a new primary school in her community was more than just a public event it was a moment of overwhelming emotion and deep personal significance.
Since moving to the area in 1975, she had long dreamed of a day when the children of Lunkuntfu would no longer have to endure the exhausting and dangerous journey to schools in Big Bend, over 10 kilometres away. Now, that dream has finally begun to materialize.
On a bright and hopeful morning, the remote community of Lunkuntfu, situated under the Nkilongo Inkhundla just outside Big Bend, gathered to witness history in the making.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo led the official commissioning of the primary school, which is a vital project driven by the Micro Project Coordinating Unit.
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For decades, Lunkuntfu has faced critical shortages in infrastructure, with neither schools nor clinics in the vicinity.
As a result, many children were forced to walk long distances daily to attend school, a challenge that led to fatigue, safety concerns, and ultimately, high dropout rates.
The arrival of a local primary school promises to alter that trajectory, offering children a chance at education closer to home.
The school, still in its early stages, has already seen the completion of a classroom block, two offices that double as storerooms, and a set of ablution facilities.
In her address, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed joy at the progress, emphasizing the transformative power of education in rural areas. She extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Mvimbi.
Matse for donating the land and praised the Ministry of Education and Training for their steadfast commitment to the project.
“I am so proud of you, Minister. Together, we have already achieved so much by partnering to transform the lives of children,” she said, addressing Nxumalo and the gathered community.
“Micro Project has a heart for making things happen, and we are already seeing transformation in this area. If we allow children to drop out of school, the community will never progress.
We must strive to establish a school.”
Dladla further encouraged the Inkhundla council to make use of the Regional Development Fund to acquire a kombi or bus, easing the transportation burden for residents who still face significant travel distances.
The addition of school transport would particularly benefit families living in the outlying parts of the area who still lack easy access to the new school.
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In a show of continued commitment to community welfare, the Deputy Prime Minister also pledged the construction oftwo houses this year for vulnerable child-headed households, with plans for two more to follow next year.
Minister Owen Nxumalo, in his remarks, assured the community that the primary school would be completed as planned.
He revealed that teachers have already been assigned and furniture delivered to the school site.
Installation of fencing is expected soon, an important step toward creating a safe and secure learning environment. Moreover, the Ministry has future plans for a high school in the area.
