Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has directed principals leading the province’s 36 Schools of Specialisation (SOS) to lead by example and give the province 100% pass rate.

This comes as the MEC hosted the Maths, Science, ICT (MSI) Schools of Specialisation (SoS) Festival at Letsibogo Girls Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Meadowlands, Soweto on Tuesday.

“You must commit to give the required results because this programme makes a difference in the lives of learners. It teaches them values of life, commitment, research, how to correct errors, and teamwork which are values of life and lessons. The learners will forever cherish these values. As I conclude, I want a 100 % pass rate.

“Principals, SGB leadership, I want a 100% pass rate. If you can’t give me 100%, I will decide what happens, but something is going to happen. I want improved results. I have invested money, because we have given SoS schools more money than other schools. If your school achieves 100% without any money, I will have no reason to keep some of the schools as SoS schools if their results are bad,” Chiloane stated.

The festival brought together all of Gauteng’s Schools of Specialisation that focus on Maths, Science, ICT, and Engineering, to showcase their innovative learner projects and celebrate excellence across these critical learning streams.

Among those was Mukhethwa Ndou from the Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation in Ekurhuleni, whose team has introduced a portable device to motorise a traditional wheelchair.

“We have seen that most people in the township struggle to acquire a motorised wheelchair as these are expensive. Our innovation seeks to cut all the costs associated with the modern-day motorised wheelchair. Our invention makes it easier for people with disabilities to turn their wheelchairs into a modern motorised version,” Ndou stated.

The province’s Schools of Specialisation have been designed to provide a range of specialised curriculum tailored to learners who demonstrate exceptional talent in specific disciplines.

According to the provincial department, these schools aim to develop the next generation of leaders and professionals in key sectors, aligning with the province’s transformation, modernisation, and reindustrialisation strategy.

While other schools focus on mining solutions, some focus on fashion, confectionery, chemical and electrical engineering.

Blessing Manda from Mpilisweni School of Specialisation in Katlehong flaunted the school’s latest range of dishwashing liquid, which he said is eco friendly as it does not negatively affect animals and plants it comes into contact with.

“We have made sure that our dishwashing liquid reflects the latest trends with it comes to its eco-friendliness. We look forward to expanding our product range to include pine gel and other products,” he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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