New R52 Million Sitoza Secondary School to Open in Ngcobo

Premier Mabuyane to Hand Over New R52 Million Sitoza Secondary School in Ngcobo

By Komani News | 13 January 2026

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane, together with Education MEC Fundile Gade, will officially hand over the newly built Sitoza Secondary School in Ngcobo on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The handover forms part of the provincial government’s official reopening of schools for the 2026 academic year.

The event will take place at Sitoza Secondary School, located in the Nkondlo Circuit within the Chris Hani East Education District. It signals the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s continued commitment to ensuring that learners return to safe, functional and supportive learning environments from the first day of teaching.

Sitoza Secondary School, valued at R52 million, features modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. The school was originally established in 2014 and currently serves more than 1 500 learners from surrounding villages. It draws pupils from several feeder primary schools, including Zibuthe, Tshapile, Zwelinzima Mbambakazi, Mdanjelwa, Lower Gqaga and Hlopekazi.

The new facilities include multipurpose classrooms, a school hall, flushing ablution facilities for both learners and educators, secure fencing, and water tanks to ensure reliable water supply. These improvements are aimed at enhancing teaching and learning conditions while promoting dignity, safety and access to basic services within the school environment.

According to the provincial government, the Back to School and Handover Programme goes beyond a symbolic opening. It represents a renewed focus on rebuilding a culture of excellence, discipline, ethical leadership and service across the Eastern Cape education system. The programme also underscores the importance of infrastructure development as a foundation for improved educational outcomes, particularly in rural and previously under-resourced communities.

The handover of Sitoza Secondary School comes as thousands of learners across the province return to classrooms for the start of the 2026 academic year. Education authorities have emphasised that investing in modern school infrastructure remains a key priority in addressing historical backlogs and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

Event details:

• Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026

• Time: 09:00

• Venue: Sitoza Secondary School, Ngcobo, Chris Hani District Municipality

The official handover is expected to draw government officials, education stakeholders and members of the local community, marking an important milestone for education development in the Ngcobo area and the broader Chris Hani District.