Kilimanjaro High School opens as part of Western Cape’s Rapid School Building programme

The Plainsman stepped into a brand-new classroom during a recent visit to Kilimanjaro High School in Tafelsig, where acting principal Eldrid Smith shared his hopes and vision for the new school’s future.

Kilimanjaro High School was officially opened on Tuesday, April 8, after temporarily operating from the hall of Littlewood Primary School since February.

The school is part of the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) rapid school-building program, an initiative led by MEC David Maynier to address urgent needs for education infrastructure in high-demand areas. The was first announced in August last year ("New school to open in second term" Plainsman February 25).

The rapid school building programme fast-tracks the construction of schools using modern, efficient building methods that ensure safe, timely access to quality education.

By collaborating closely with contractors, local government, and communities, the WCED can deliver brick-and-mortar schools faster than traditional construction projects, said Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for MEC Maynier.

Though construction is still underway at Kilimanjaro High, staff and pupils are already shaping the spirit of the school.

“We’re not just in the teaching business, we’re in the development business,” said Mr Smith. “It’s about ensuring pupils become better citizens. We hear so much about gangsterism, but I want us to focus on the good stories about our youth.”

Currently, the school has 74 Grade 8 pupils and a staff of Ten. It will add a new grade each year, with plans to eventually accommodate up to 560 pupils across Grades 8 to 12, with three classes per grade.

Mr Smith’s vision is for pupils to excel academically and grow holistically.

“It’s about instilling values, how to carry yourself, respect others, and remain grounded through challenges. If we can save one pupil, we can save a generation,” he said.

The school benefits from a spirit of collaboration with neighbouring schools.

“The principals, Victor Kelly from Perseverance Primary and Keenan Herbert from Paramount High School, have been a great support,” said Mr Smith.

The role of the community is vital.

“We need the commitment of parents. A school can’t succeed alone. It takes a village; we must all take hands and build a lasting legacy for our youth,” he said.

A final school logo and colours will be communicated in due course, as the school continues to establish its identity.

Mr Kelly congratulated Kilimanjaro High School on its opening, calling it a proud and historic moment. He expressed hope that the school will become a beacon of hope for Tafelsig and the wider Mitchell’s Plain community.

Mr Kelly urged the community to take ownership of the school by protecting it from vandalism and theft. He encouraged pupils to rise above local challenges and said, “We’re wishing you all the best with your school’s success in building a legacy of learning, resilience, and opportunity.”

Mr Herbert said: “I warmly welcome and congratulate the Kilimanjaro High family on their beautiful, state-of-the-art campus. It brings pride and dignity to our learners and community."

Mr Herbert said Paramount High is ready to offer guidance and encouragement as Kilimanjaro High grows and serves its community.

Ms Mauchline confirmed the rapid school building programme is a new infrastructure initiative designed to build schools faster than before. 

When fully completed, Kilimanjaro High School will accommodate 560 pupils.

All pupils follow the same senior phase curriculum, which includes English home language, Afrikaans first additional language, life orientation, mathematics, creative arts, technology, economic and management sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences covering history and geography.

Pupils who meet promotion requirements will proceed to Grade 9 as normal. The school has accepted 120 new Grade 8 pupils for the next academic year.