The John Orr Technical School has been officially opened by the Gauteng Provincial Government as a vocational school.
The concentration at the John Orr School of Engineering will concentrate on renewable and alternative energy sources.
Thursday at the presentation in Millpark, Johannesburg, Gauteng Education MEC Paniaza Lesufi said that the province government is altering the educational landscape and investing in the country’s most essential talents.
“We are here to change the education system in our province. If we cannot prepare our students for the skills needed in this economy, we would be betraying you.
“Gone are the days when our education system was considered inferior because we provide access to quality education through specialist schools,” said Lesufi.
Lesufi was presented with “Voltage” – a fully functional solar car equipped with a sound system – created by the students. The school is in partnership with Sasol.
“What impresses me about John Orr is that your creativity has gone beyond my imagination. Your commitment reminded me of Banyana Banyana [ at the Women’s African Cup of Nations].
“We are all here for one thing… to defeat unemployment and poverty. We are here to plan for the future. We want everything that happens in this school to be result-oriented. You are going to make us proud,” the MEC told the students.
Katlego Lu’s apprentice said their car could be the solution to South Africa’s problems with electricity, high fuel prices and unemployment.
“We have succeeded in creating a car that will be the best solution for us South Africans. The best part about this solar powered car is that it is maintenance free and does not pollute or emit any harmful pollutants,” she said.
Executive Vice President Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations at Sasol Charlotte McCoena said the company’s goal is to support the National Development Plan (NDP) to target and produce 20,000 artisans by 2030.
“Sasol and the Gauteng Department of Education share a clear vision of the future we want to create for our children and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for them to reach their full potential.
“We promise the community wherever we work, including in our home country of South Africa, that we will be a catalyst for positive change. The world is changing, and we have to keep up with the changes,” McCoena added.