• The Gauteng Department of Education has launched a new school of specialisation in Mohlekong, Randfontein, one of 26 in the province.
• Phahama Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation focuses on teaching learners about the mining industry.
• MEC Matome Chiloane says that learners at the school have invented innovative tech solutions for the benefit of the mining industry.

On Thursday, the Gauteng Department of Education launched the Phahama Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in the small township of Mohlakeng, Randfontein.

The school is one of 26 across the province in which the students focus on a particular trade. For Phahama that trade is mining, and it is one of three schools that specialise in the profession.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, speaking at the launch of the high school, said that learners at the school are already developing a number of innovative tech solutions for the benefit of the mining industry.

“As early as grade 9, learners have invented a Network Time Protocol Server which enables GPS signals and accurate time to be accessed while underground,” Chiloane explains.

Learners at Phahama have also developed an app that detects whether miners have their safety helmets on or not, and have displayed a deep understanding of the operations of the sector, the MEC adds in an announcement on X.

South Africa is ranked 5th internationally in terms of mining contribution to GDP. According to research, the natural ore reserves in the country amount to a value of $2.5 trillion.

But despite the massive potential of the country’s natural resources to benefit the economy and citizens, the mining industry faces long-held systemic issues, stemming from the collapse of the country’s research, development, technology and innovation in the industry, among other ails.

A focus on innovation and technology in the mining industry is a positive step, especially if new technologies make the difficult migration from the classroom to the tunnels.

According to the Randfontien Herald, the establishment of “Schools of Specialisation” is an initiative designed to align educational offerings with skill demands of learners. Skill demands that correspond to the area in which they live.

For Mohlakeng, the skills demand centres around mining, archaeology, logistics, tourism and manufacturing.

Phahama was previously a prominent high school in the area, operating since 1974. It was retrofitted to specialise in teaching with a focus on mining.

“As the department, we are thrilled by this display of knowledge and insight of sector which was previously not taught in the basic education curriculum,” said Chiloane.

“We anticipate the advanced educational outcomes we will achieve through Schools of Specialisation and look forward to launching many more such schools across the province.”

Currently, the department is planning 35 such schools.

[Image – Gauteng Department of Education on X]