​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management, Tasneem Motara and the MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni Mayor, Mzwandile Masina today hit the streets of Katlehong to open the new Abram Hlope Primary school in Katlehong.
The school was refurbished to the tune of R77 million as part of GPG's massive modernisation plan targeting old public schools by converting them to smart schools.

Premier Makhura said it was important that all non-pharmaceutical measures of sanitising, mask wearing and maintaining of safe physical distancing are observed by the learners of Abram Hlophe Primary School this morning.
"We also remember the teachers who succumbed to COVID-19. Gauteng will be rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination programme, starting with healthcare workers. We will ensure that teachers are prioritised in the next phase of our vaccination programme," said Makhura 
He further commended more than 2 million learners who returned to schools in the province to mark the first day of the 2021 academic year. 
"Thank you to all the teachers in the education system," he added.
During the construction of school, a total number of 520 locals were provided with skills through employment of the Expanded Public Works Programme. The beneficiaries are from the community including young people comprising of 213 males and 84 females and adults that is 155 males and 68 females.
The school's construction encouraged participation and opportunities to previously disadvantaged individuals, contractors and businesses, without compromising standards and skills.
MEC Motara saidto ensure that the provincial government deliver quality, state of art infrastructure for the community of Katlehong, a team of professional service providers consisting of Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Civil / Structural engineers, Electrical /Mechanical Engineers, Fire Engineers and Occupational Health and Safety were appointed to provide technical assistance at the Abram Hlophe Primary School project.  
Abram Hlophe Primary School caters for leaners from Grade R-7 with 20 Classrooms, four Heads of Department offices, two Science Labs, Kitchen with storage, Computer room, Library, Staffroom, Offices, Cleaners room, Printing room, Guard house and Ablution facilities for staff, leaners and visitors.
"Materials that built this school were sourced in businesses across Ekurhuleni. R77 million is a lot of money. We urge the community, educators and learners to take care of the school," said Motara.