Madadeni, 01 August 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli officially opened two state-of-the-art schools in Madadeni—Isikhalisezwe Secondary School and YWCA Special School—in a celebration that marked a significant milestone in education infrastructure development in the province.
The event, held at the start of Women’s Month, was infused with deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed hope as Premier Ntuli honoured the enduring contribution of women to education and community upliftment.
“That we are opening these schools in August—the Month of Women—makes this even more meaningful,” said Premier Ntuli. “It reminds me of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, born on 27 August, who deeply respected women and often said, ‘If you want something done right, give it to a woman.’”
The Premier reflected on his previous visit to Majuba, which was marked by addressing concerns about learners joining gangs and abusing substances. This return, he said, was filled with pride and joy—now coming to celebrate schools of excellence built through a unified and determined provincial effort.
“Today, we celebrate the transformation from schools made of mud and decay to modern centres of learning equipped with technology and dignity,” Premier Ntuli said. “This is a testament to our government’s commitment to ending the legacy of neglect and inequality in education.”
Isikhalisezwe Secondary School: A Legacy of Community and Excellence
Established in 1988 by the local community, Isikhalisezwe Secondary School has become a symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration and perseverance. The Premier applauded the school’s consistent performance, including pass rates of 81% in 2022, 74% in 2023, and 74.6% in 2024.
“These results are impressive, but I know this school can do even better. Now that we have officially handed over modern facilities, the ball is in your court—teachers and learners. We are counting on you,” he said.
The school has also excelled beyond the classroom, earning national choir championship titles in 2022 and 2024. It now offers a broader academic curriculum including Humanities, Commerce, Sciences, Services, and Technical subjects—ensuring that every learner has a path to success.
The new campus includes laboratories, a computer centre, and full sports facilities, further cementing its role as a centre for academic excellence and leadership development.
YWCA Special School: A Testament to Women’s Vision
The Premier also paid heartfelt tribute to the women of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) who founded the YWCA Special School in 1984, then with only 30 learners and no government support. Driven by compassion, they baked goods, sold clothing, and raised funds to create a safe haven for children with disabilities—an act of bold vision during an era when such inclusion was unheard of.
Today, the school serves over 600 learners, and the newly opened facility includes specialist classrooms, therapy rooms, and secure inclusive spaces—making it a model of excellence in special education.
“This school restores hope. It was built by women with their own hands—not through government funding—and it uplifts children who were once forgotten. Today, we honour those women by building forward from their legacy,” said Premier Ntuli.
The Premier called for sustained investment in special schools and praised the YWCA’s role in challenging exclusionary systems and placing children with disabilities at the heart of community development.
A Message to Learners: The Future is in Your Hands
To learners of both schools, Premier Ntuli delivered a clear message: “These schools are your inheritance. Use them wisely. Respect them. Honour the legacy of those who built them.”
He urged learners to work hard, avoid destructive behaviours, and continue the legacy of those who came before them. He assured the learners that the Government of Provincial Unity remains committed to building schools of dignity and removing all mud schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Under this administration, no child will learn under a tree. We will build modern, inclusive schools despite budget constraints,” he affirmed.
Safeguarding Schools, Preserving Dignity
Premier Ntuli made a passionate appeal to learners, parents, teachers, and communities to protect school infrastructure, saying schools are not just buildings—they are the foundation of the future.
“It is disheartening to see newly built schools vandalised, defaced, or used as outlets for frustration. Destruction of schools delays the progress we all want. Damaged windows, stolen equipment, and defaced walls do not hurt government—they hurt our children’s chances at a better life,” he warned.
He called on learners to report issues rather than resort to damaging property, and encouraged parents to instil respect for public infrastructure. The Premier urged school management teams to work with local law enforcement and municipalities to improve school safety and ensure quick resolutions to community issues.
In closing, Premier Ntuli celebrated the opening of two iconic institutions:
• Isikhalisezwe Secondary School – a symbol of excellence and heritage, and
• YWCA Special School – a legacy of compassion, inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
“These schools represent a future built on equality, opportunity, and progress. Let us continue working together to ensure every child—regardless of where they come from—has access to quality education in a safe, modern environment,” he said.
Premier Ntuli concluded by thanking all partners, stakeholders, and community leaders who made the day possible, and reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s vision of an education system that leaves no child behind.