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CITY OF TSHWANE: Launch of Ribane-Laka School of Specialisation: Shaping the future through STEM education
In a landmark moment for education in Tshwane, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially launched the Ribane-Laka Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi. This forward-thinking initiative reflects a broader provincial vision: to equip learners, particularly those in township communities, with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
As part of the Schools of Specialisation (SoS) programme, Ribane-Laka is being repositioned as a centre of academic and technical excellence, focused on the core STEM fields of Mathematics, Physical Science, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This transformation aims to prepare learners for careers that are at the heart of South
Africa’s growth trajectory, including engineering, robotics, data science, and digital innovation.Bridging the Skills Gap and Empowering the Youth
The launch of this school comes at a critical time. South Africa faces a growing demand for technical and digital skills, while youth unemployment remains persistently high. Many school leavers lack the specialised skills required by the modern job market, especially in underresourced communities.
By creating an environment where young people in Mamelodi can access worldclass learning facilities and hands-on experience, the Gauteng Department of Education is actively addressing the twin challenges of the skills gap and youth unemployment. Ribane-Laka is positioned not only to deliver quality education but also to act as a springboard for career readiness and community development. The school’s focus on STEM subjects ensures that learners are not just receiving theoretical knowledge, but are also being prepared to contribute meaningfully to sectors essential for national development. This includes information technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, health sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
A Vision of Specialisation for Ribane-Laka
Ribane-Laka’s transformation is part of the GDE’s broader Schools of Specialisation initiative, which seeks to offer targeted education pathways aligned with key industries and economic sectors. These tools are designed to go beyond conventional learning by integrating specialised curricula, modern teaching methods, and exposure to practical applications.
Key differentiators at Ribane-Laka include:
• State-of-the-art laboratories: Fully equipped for Physical Science and ICT to facilitate interactive and experimental learning.
• Digital infrastructure: Including high-speed internet access and smart classrooms, enabling learners to engage with global knowledge systems.
• Curriculum integration: With projectbased learning and realworld applications that link theory to industry needs.
• STEM-focused extracurricular activities: Such as robotics clubs, coding bootcamps, science fairs, and Olympiads.
• Mentorship and industry exposure: Providing learners with career guidance and role models in highdemand fields.
• Pathways to further education and employment: Including partnerships with higher education institutions, technical colleges, and local industry players.
This holistic model aims to foster not only academic achievement but also personal growth, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Impact on Mamelodi and the Wider Tshwane Region
The ripple effect of this transformation is expected to extend far beyond the school gates. As one of Tshwane’s most densely populated areas, Mamelodi stands to benefit significantly from having a specialised educational institution at its core.
Ribane-Laka is expected to:
• Enhance learner performance and pass rates, particularly in Maths and Science.
• Reduce school drop-out rates by increasing learner engagement.
• Improve post-school outcomes, including tertiary enrolment and employment rates.
• Create local jobs through expanded school operations and associated services.
• Stimulate local economic activity by attracting investment and innovation into the area.
For the broader Tshwane Municipality, the school strengthens the city’s educational infrastructure and supports its long-term development goals. It also aligns with national strategies such as the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), which places strong emphasis on digital skills and youth employment.
Community Participation and Stakeholder Buy-In
The success of the Ribane-Laka initiative has been built on strong community support. Parents, educators, local leaders, and civic organisations in Mamelodi have played a vital role in advocating for improved education facilities and continue to be active participants in the school’s vision.
The Gauteng Department of Education has engaged extensively with these stakeholders to ensure that the school meets the aspirations of the community it serves. This community-based approach has helped foster a sense of ownership and pride, which is crucial for the longterm sustainability of the project.
Ongoing communication between the school and the local community will also ensure responsiveness to evolving educational needs and allow the institution to remain agile in addressing challenges.
“We are creating spaces where talent can be nurtured, innovation can thrive, and hope can be restored through education.” - Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for Education
Strategic Partnerships: Linking Education with the Economy
The Ribane-Laka School of Specialisation is a compelling example of how education can be strengthened through multi-sectoral partnerships. The school has already attracted interest from a variety of private sector and academic partners who recognise the value of investing in future talent.
Organisations in the ICT, engineering, and data science sectors have expressed their intent to contribute through:
• Donations of hardware, software, and digital tools.
• Guest lectures and career awareness days.
• Co-development of course materials aligned to industry standards.
• Internship and work-readiness programmes.
• Sponsorship of competitions and educational events.
These collaborations ensure that learners gain exposure to professional environments and are better prepared to transition from school to the workplace or further study.
A Provincial Commitment to Future-Ready Education
At the launch event, Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, highlighted the strategic importance of Schools of Specialisation for the province’s educational and economic goals.
“Our Schools of Specialisation are a deliberate strategy to prepare our youth for a future where science, technology, and innovation drive progress.
Ribane-Laka’s transition is an exciting development not only for the learners of Mamelodi but for the whole Gauteng province. We are creating spaces where talent can be nurtured, innovation can thrive, and hope can be restored through education.”
MEC Chiloane confirmed that the department intends to expand this model across the province, with each school focusing on a unique area such as engineering, aviation, maritime studies, or performing arts - ensuring diversity of opportunity across Gauteng.
Learners Leading the Way
Perhaps the most powerful testimony to the school’s impact comes from the learners themselves. Many students expressed pride and excitement at being part of a pioneering institution with access to facilities and opportunities they previously only dreamed of.
With aspirations ranging from becoming software developers and aerospace engineers to researchers and innovators, learners see Ribane-Laka as a place where possibilities become realities. They are now better positioned to compete globally and contribute locally.
This transformation also boosts learners’ confidence, equipping them with not only technical knowledge but also the soft skills - communication, teamwork, critical thinking - that are essential for success in any field.
Looking to the Future…
The launch of Ribane-Laka Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation marks the beginning of an ambitious journey. Sustained effort, monitoring, and continued investment will be essential to keep the momentum going.
The Gauteng Department of Education calls on all stakeholdersparents, educators, community leaders, businesses, and civil society - to support this initiative and help build an inclusive, high-performance learning culture across the province.
With Tshwane Municipality playing host to this flagship school, the region stands to become a beacon of STEM education and a catalyst for youth empowerment. Ribane-Laka is more than just a school - it is a model for what is possible when vision, resources, and community come together.
