​Lerato Mailoane 
Gauteng's ongoing commitment to investing in township school infrastructure has come to fruition with unveiling the renovated Kgatoentle Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa. This event marked the commencement of the government's 2024 Back-to-School programme.
Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Education MEC Matome Chiloane spearheaded the reopening programme, emphasising the significance of effective, quality teaching and learning. 
The oversight visit aimed to ensure a smooth start to the 2024 academic year, focusing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs from day one while providing discipline and adequate resources are in place.
The school's rapid renovations, completed in record time, have transformed its infrastructure. 
The revitalised facilities now include a refurbished administration building, refuse yard, sports facility, sports field, clear-view perimeter fencing, upgraded power supply, redesigned parking lot, tuck-shop, guardhouse, multipurpose hall, and a nutrition centre.
Kgatoentle Secondary School, recognised as one of the top-performing schools in the area with a 100% matric pass rate, underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and rehabilitation led by the Department of Infrastructure. This initiative is part of the broader commitment to enhance the learning and teaching conditions in township schools.
During her address to the learners, Education Minister Angie Motshekga expressed her delight at visiting a well-resourced school equipped with information technology facilities, aligning with the government's vision for future-ready schools in the face of an ever-evolving job landscape.
"As a department, we are working with industry experts as the world of work is changing rapidly; that's why we are working on ICT centres and diversified skills and can assure you we already have a number of courses compared to our academic curriculum.
She underscored the government's dedication to providing a diversified curriculum, not limited to academics but also vocational and technical skills.
 Minister Motshekga said there are ongoing efforts with Umalusi and the Department of Higher Education and Training in this regard.
"We are working hard with Umalusi and the Department of Higher Education and Training to diversify the skills in the country. We encourage you to learn technical and vocational skills to contribute to the economy," Motshekga said.
As Grade 12 pupils embark on their final year, the government is gearing up to announce the results of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Thursday, January 18. 
More than 890 000 full-time and part-time candidates participated in the matric exams administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) at the end of 2023.