​Rofhiwa Marubini 
Pupils at Setlabotjha Primary School, in Sebokeng, started the 2022 academic year in a brand-new state-of-the-art school. 
The learners would not contain their excitement and one could see the hunger for education in their eyes as they walked in for the new academic year. 
The R95 million school was officially handed over by Gauteng Premier David Makhura together with the MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Infrastructure Development, Tasneem Motara. 
Schools in Gauteng reopen for the new academic year on Wednesday.
The school boasts a library, two multipurpose centres, two science laboratories, five Grade R classrooms as well as 26 foundation and intermediate classrooms.
In addition, the school has a nutritional centre, a backup generator to assist during load shedding, a play area and a hall with production-level sound and lighting.
Speaking at the unveiling, Premier David Makhura said the school will improve the learning environment, boost academic performance and accommodate more children while observing COVID-19 regulations.
"This school has been built to ensure that there is quality education in this community," said Makhura who committed that the province will excel in education despite the COVID-19 pandemic.  
"In 2022 we must do everything we can to return to a flying machine. No single school, department or municipality has an excuse. 
"We must resolve all basic service delivery issues. We must get all learners back to school and deliver optimal outcomes. We want a province that's pumping." 
Furthermore, Makhura committed to responding to issues that were raised during the 2020 Local Government Elections. 
All schools in Gauteng have received the required stationery, PPEs, hygiene and sanitisation packages.
Makhura said that he was deeply concerned that if the rotational learning programme in schools continued, it would have negative long-term consequences. 
He was reacting to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's announcement that classes would continue on a rotational basis in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.
"We are deeply concerned that if we don't soon get to some measure of normality with regards to bringing back all the learners, many of whom are at home, there will be long-term consequences that will be difficult to bear.
"We have over 1200 schools that are doing the rotation in townships, schools lose teaching time and learners lose learning times, there is also mental distress for learners and parents."