New developments bring hope to community

The Rustenberg area has seen several new schools and a medical clinic open their doors and open opportunity for the local people of this mining hub.

Whenever the children from the Rustenberg suburb of Thlabane had to go to school, they risked their lives. Separating the suburb in the city’s west from the nearest primary school, the R104 had claimed several lives. It grimly demanded a more local presence where the students could go, explained the school’s Principal, David Thlowe, “There was a dire need. The area didn’t have a primary school and kids would cross the busy road to Swartruggens. This was a safety risk.”

In 2010, the Thlabane West Primary School opened its doors. Built with the cooperation of Anglo American, the Department of Education and Rustenberg Municipality, the school is now home to 1,300 students from grades R to 7. Thlowe, who has been its Principal since 2011, saw the facilities expand to include dedicated Grade R classes, a computer centre and library. “The four grade R classes each have a kitchen, a medical room, a storeroom, a teacher’s restroom and two bathrooms for the kids. These are safe environments and a big step up from the prefabricated classes used for the grade beforehand.”