After nearly a decade of delays, uncertainty, and community frustration, Panyaza Lesufi joins the Rust-Ter-Vaal community in Vereeniging and is finally celebrating a long-awaited milestone: the official opening of Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School. The new high school, whose construction began in 2017, was formally unveiled this week as part of Gauteng’s Back-to-School 2026 campaign, marking a turning point for families who have waited years to see the project completed.
For parents, learners and community leaders, the opening represents far more than bricks and mortar. It symbolises access, dignity, and the fulfilment of a promise that many feared would never materialise.
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A School Presented By Panyaza Lesufi – Years in the Making
The construction of Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School initially raised hopes in the community nearly nine years ago. However, the project was soon beset by prolonged stoppages, contractor issues, and funding challenges, leaving the partially built structure standing dormant for years.
Parents describe the experience as emotionally draining, particularly for families whose children were forced to travel long distances to attend high school in neighbouring communities.
“There was a long delay, and at some point we thought the entire project was abandoned because there was no progress or communication from the department,” said parent Bettie Sandamela, reflecting on the years of uncertainty. “Then all of a sudden, everything just started booming again.”
Sandamela said the school stood incomplete for nearly four years before construction resumed in earnest in 2024. “It took nine years to complete this school. We are extremely excited because it is long overdue,” she said.
Panyaza Lesufi’s Back-to-School Campaign Brings Renewed Focus
The opening formed part of the provincial government’s Back-to-School drive, led by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, alongside Education MEC Matome Chiloane and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo.
Their presence underscored the significance of the project, not only as a community victory but as a statement of intent around restoring momentum to stalled education infrastructure developments across Gauteng.
Addressing residents, government leaders emphasised that completing long-delayed projects remains a priority, particularly in communities where access to education has historically been limited by distance and overcrowding.
First High School in the Community
For many residents, Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School is especially significant because it is the first high school built within the community itself.
“This is our first new high school,” said parent Hannikie Duiker. “We had another one in the next community over, but the kids would either have to travel by bus or walk long distances. This is the school we’ve been waiting for.”
The opening of Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School is expected to ease pressure on neighbouring schools while improving learner safety by reducing daily travel times. Parents say the proximity of the school will also allow for greater parental involvement and oversight.
Community Rolled Up Its Sleeves
One of the most powerful aspects of the Rust-Ter-Vaal story is the role the community played in seeing the project through to completion. According to Duiker, residents volunteered time, skills, and even personal funds to help ensure the school opened its doors.
“We had people who volunteered as painters and others who took money out of their own pockets to assist,” she said. “We put in sweat and tears for our kids because they deserved it.”
She added that despite challenges with contractors and budgets, the sense of collective ownership never faded. “I am so happy right now and very thankful to God,” Duiker said.
A Win for the Next Generation
For young people in Rust-Ter-Vaal, the opening of the school represents opportunities that older siblings never had. Kevin Basterman, whose younger siblings will attend the new high school, described mixed emotions at the launch.
“They kept telling us we would be the first matric class to graduate from the new school,” he said. “Each year passed, and you started not to believe it. But I’m happy my siblings get to experience this, even though I didn’t.”
His sentiment reflects a broader generational shift: while older learners bore the brunt of the delays, the next cohort will benefit from modern facilities closer to home.
Why This School Matters for Gauteng
Education analysts say projects like Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School are critical for addressing systemic challenges in Gauteng’s schooling system, including overcrowding, learner transport costs, and unequal access to facilities.
New schools in under-served areas help redistribute enrolments, improve pass rates, and reduce dropout risks associated with long travel distances. They also play a role in restoring trust between communities and government institutions after years of stalled development.
In Sedibeng, where population growth has outpaced infrastructure investment in some areas, the school is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future development.
Looking Ahead: From Opening to Impact
With classrooms now ready to receive learners, attention shifts to ensuring that Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School is adequately staffed, resourced, and supported to deliver quality education.
Parents say they will continue to work closely with school management and the Department of Education to protect the investment and maintain high standards. Many have expressed hope that the school will not only educate learners but also become a centre of pride and stability for the wider community.
Turning a Milestone Into Momentum
As learners settle into their new classrooms, the Rust-Ter-Vaal story offers a powerful reminder of what sustained community involvement and accountable governance can achieve. Parents, educators, and local leaders are encouraged to stay engaged, attend school meetings, support learners at home, and report challenges early.
For communities across Gauteng still waiting on stalled projects, this moment sends a clear message: persistence matters, voices matter, and progress is possible. Let Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School be the start of renewed momentum, not just for one community, but for education delivery across the province.
