As first reported by Sowetan, the Gauteng Department of Education says Umkhumbane Junior Secondary School, a school that has existed only on paper for three years, will finally open its permanent building in January 2027. Spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana confirmed on 11 September 2026 that contractors are being appointed and construction is expected before the December shutdown.
Since 2023, 653 pupils have been taught in nine mobile classrooms at Ruabohlale Secondary School, about 3.8km from the vacant Umkhumbane site. Parents were promised a completed school by 2025, but the land remains empty.
A Grade 10 learner told Sowetan: “It has been three years as a learner at Umkhumbane, and for the last three years we were told we would have our own school but still nothing.”
“At Ruabohlale we are always made to feel like we don’t belong: the bullying from other learners, restricted movement and access.”
Grades 8 and 9 attend on alternate days while Grade 10 learners are in class daily. One mobile unit serves as the staff room, and the school has its own uniform and staff separate from Ruabohlale.
“We understand the school wants to also expand to include grade 11 in the coming year,” a staff member said.
Staff also told Sowetan the department repeatedly responded with “14 days” whenever asked about progress, but three years passed. Pupils began boycotting classes around 30 August 2026 and stayed home for at least eight days.
“We strongly condemn the disruption of schools and urge all stakeholders to use available structures to raise issues of concern,” Lubhelwana said.
The department confirmed Umkhumbane has already admitted about 300 new Grade 8 learners for 2027. Cape Flats News contacted the Gauteng education department for further comment but received no immediate response.
The next concrete step will be the appointment of contractors. We will check with the department for an update at the end of November 2026.