Limpopo’s MEC for Education, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, says the government has put aside more money for the improvement of mathematics, science and technology in the education fraternity.

He was addressing guests when he officially opened three science laboratories, a library and an administration block at Mbilwi High School, near Sibasa, on Thursday last week.

The project, worth R5million, was a partnership between Anglo American Chairman’s Fund, Anglo Platinum and the Department of Education.

Motsoaledi said it is exciting to have private partners who are ready to help the government in providing resources for the benefit of education. He said although much has been achieved, there is still a long way to go because the country is in deep trouble as far as mathematics and science is concerned. He also said that the government is introducing policies on the training of maths, science and technology teachers although there is still a great shortage of the said teachers.

"We are trying to make facilities available but we do not have enough people to help us in achieving our dreams. We have advertised a lot of maths and science teaching posts but a small number applied because there are not enough of them. We also do not have enough learners for certain fields and that is why we encourage our learners to take maths and science very seriously. The problem in our country is human beings, not money or facilities. We are providing facilities, but no one comes forward to make use of them."

Motsoaledi said the opening of the labs will provide the learners of Mbilwi High School with more practical knowledge, hence they would be able to pass their examinations with ease. "This will obviously be a major motivation for learners to work hard because we are making the facilities available. We know that you are one of the best performing schools in the country and we believe that you will not let us down after we have rewarded your hard work with these facilities."

Clyde Oaks from the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund said Mbilwi High School became a beneficiary after it was realized that they produce quality results although they do not have enough facilities. "We came on board after we were impressed by the student caliber and the results that speak for themselves. The school has strong leadership and they only put forward the best. We only back up the winners and we hope that our contributions will help in the development of education for our children."

School principal Nnditsheni Ramugondo said nothing would stop his school from producing good results. "We never thought this day would come and we would like to commend the assistance from the donors and all the stakeholders because we have been waiting for these facilities for a long time."

On behalf of the learners, Dakalo Mufamadi said they are very excited because they now have a better environment to work in. "We will explore more in the science world and we are very grateful to all the stakeholders who made this dream a reality."