New school a symbol of pride for vibrant Heidelberg community

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) completed construction of Heidelberg’s R74m De Waalville Primary School in October 2023 and handed the facility over to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The new school is able to accommodate up to 1 240 learners.

This was a replacement school project. Existing schools are replaced when they are beyond repair, or when they do not meet minimum norms and standards for public schools because they are built of inappropriate or unsafe materials such as asbestos. The existing school had been built of asbestos, metal and wood. In the 2022/23 financial year, the Department also replaced the Chatsworth Primary School in Malmesbury, and the Perivale Primary School in Lotus River.

Production architect Nuhaa Soeker says the De Waalville Primary School project was more than just the construction of a replacement school, it is a symbol of educational excellence in a vibrant and culturally diverse community.

“The replacement school has not only provided the learners and the community with a new educational facility, but has also instilled a sense of pride within them,” said Nuhaa.

The Department prioritises the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs strategy which aims to grow the economy by between 4 and 6% by 2035. This includes strengthening the regional pipeline of apprenticeships and utilising semi-skilled labour on certain large construction projects.

“The learners eagerly boast about their fathers’ active involvement in the construction of the impressive new school facility, creating a stronger bond between the school and the community,” Nuhaa added.

“Located in the heart of Heidelberg, this school prides itself on its close-knit community, where parents, teachers, and students work together to create a warm and supportive atmosphere for learning.”

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) local labour construction participation targets for the project were exceeded in the women, youth and people with disabilities categories. A total of 40 EPWP participants working on the project received life skills and technical skills training. Over 70 employment opportunities were created. The project also exceeded participation targets for local and women-owned enterprises.  

The school was built in two phases. Learners and staff started using the new facilities in May 2023 once the foundation and senior classrooms, play areas, specialist classrooms and hall had been completed. The resource room, multi-purpose classroom, multi-media centre, school hall, ablution facilities, administration block, and sports field were all ready for use in November 2023.

DOI delivers education infrastructure on behalf of WCED to help ensure that there is enough space for the increasing number of learners in the Western Cape. The aim is to ensure that conditions in public schools are fit-for-purpose teaching and learning environments for learners, staff, and the community.