​Major expansion of Inkululeko yeSizwe School starts in Vlakfontein
By Prudence Motsila
12 April 2021
The 07th April 2021 saw the Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management Ms. Tasneem Motara and Head of Department Mr. Thulani Mdadane visit the construction site for the major expansion project of Inkululeko yeSizwe Primary School, in Vlakfontein, to monitor progress. The size of the existing school is being increased on a large scale following a needs assessment by the client Gauteng Department of Education.
The project is in the initial phase with the project team is currently doing earthworks on site in preparation for the foundation phase. The completed school will accommodate more than 1287 learners form Grade R to Grade 7. The target date for completion is the end of August 2022.
The project manager Richard Tshabalala said the scope of works consists of the construction of a new school to replace an existing school built from prefabricated units. The new school will comprise of Admin Block with staff offices, reception area and ablutions; 5 Grade R classrooms including Medical Facilities; 12 Foundation Phase classrooms and 24 Intermediate and senior Phase classrooms; Library and Computer Science Labs; Multipurpose Hall; Nutrition Kitchen; Sport Facility; Guard House and Refuse Yard.
The existing school is temporarily accommodating learners and staff in prefabricated mobile units whilst the permanent school is under construction. 
The project manager defines the site as a Greenfield site that has never been developed before. The school is surrounded by developed residential stands and very few undeveloped stands. The school will use Scorpion Road as an access road, which is the main entrance. 
The project experienced some delays because of community unrests which resulted in a delayed site establishment, but the issues were resolved. 
"The new permanent school will apply Green Design Principles (GDP) using fenestration that maximizes the natural light and air circulation into the building and reduces energy. GDP will also be used for Energy saving lighting (LED), Solar water heating and Landscaping." 
The department is now working hard to ensure that the project meets the set deadline.