{"id":34234,"date":"2026-01-14T17:39:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T15:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=34234"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:41:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:41:55","slug":"panyaza-lesufi-opens-rust-ter-vaal-secondary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/panyaza-lesufi-opens-rust-ter-vaal-secondary\/","title":{"rendered":"Panyaza Lesufi Finally Opens Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School After 9 Year Wait"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/strong>. The new high school, whose construction began in 2017, was formally unveiled this week as part of Gauteng\u2019s Back-to-School 2026 campaign, marking a turning point for families who have waited years to see the project completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Gauteng Sets the Pace for Global Business and Meetings in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A School Presented By Panyaza Lesufi – Years in the Making<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The construction of Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere 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,\u201d said parent Bettie Sandamela, reflecting on the years of uncertainty. \u201cThen all of a sudden, everything just started booming again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandamela said the school stood incomplete for nearly four years before construction resumed in earnest in 2024. \u201cIt took nine years to complete this school. We are extremely excited because it is long overdue,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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