Construction of a new technical workshop at Phuthalichaba Technical High School in Sibi Village in Matatiele Local Municipality has reached its practical completion.
The project R1.8m project replaces the school’s old, corrugated iron structure that was previously used for technical classes. Learners from Grade 8 to 12, drawn from surrounding villages, will now use a modern, purpose-built facility for skills training.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure invested in a fully furnished workshop to address skills shortages in the built environment and to help reduce youth unemployment in the province.
Phuthalichaba Technical High School will now offer practical Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) classes, giving learners a foundation for careers in engineering, construction and other built environment fields.
The purpose-built EGD laboratory is aimed at strengthening the technical education ecosystem, supporting the skills pipeline into artisan and built environment careers, enhancing the quality of STEM-aligned teaching and learning, and bridging the gap between education and industry requirements.
The Laboratory is a high-impact, targeted infrastructure intervention that directly contributes to building a skills pipeline in engineering and the built environment. It reflects the evolving role of EC DPWI — from infrastructure delivery to enabling economic participation and long-term development outcomes. The project was completed in record time.
The scope of work for the project which commended on 30 May 2024 included two fully equipped EGD blocks, with specialized drawing and design workstations. Learners’ work stations have adequate lighting and layout to support technical drawing requirements as well as storage facilities for equipment and learner material.
Phuthalichaba School Principal, Thembinkosi Jafta, said: “This new workshop changes everything for our learners. Before we were teaching skills in a zinc structure. Now our students have proper space to learn trades that will help them find jobs after Grade 12. This will help learners to draw, plan drawings, and have their own designs.”
While the project was under construction, eight local labourers from were employed, including 5 general labourers, 1 plasterer, 1 bricklayer and 1 safety officer. The workforce included 4 youth males, 2 adult males, 1 youth female and 1 adult female across skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled categories.
This initiative is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to improve public service facilities and create a more efficient and welcoming environment for both learners and the community.
