By Zanele Makola
In the heart of Mamelodi East, a powerful transformation in education is taking root. The newly re-launched Ribane-Laka Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation officially opened its doors, marking a new era of innovation and opportunity in township education. Backed by a R148 million investment from the Gauteng government, the school now stands as a model for educational excellence and future-ready learning.
Located at 19558 Maseko Street, Ribane-Laka is more than just a school to the 1,600 learners who fill its modern classrooms—it’s a symbol of possibility in a community ready for change.
Long known for academic distinction, the school has continued its legacy under the leadership of Principal MZ Ngoma. Ribane-Laka has consistently achieved impressive matric results, boasting a 92.31% pass rate in 2023, a 95.3% rate in 2022/2023, and a near-perfect 99% in 2016. This year’s 98% first-term pass rate reflects the school’s enduring excellence.
Ribane-Laka’s tradition of strong performance in Mathematics, Science, and Accounting is exemplified by alumni like Tebatso Raselapi, who earned seven distinctions in 2016.
The 2025 upgrade elevates the school to the next level. The campus now features state-of-the-art science laboratories, ICT suites, and specialised classrooms tailored for practical instruction in fields like automotive engineering and electronics. Construction began in 2021, aiming to address issues such as overcrowding and limited infrastructure.
A key component of the school’s new vision is its partnership with the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), which links students with real-world industry experience. Skills such as engine maintenance are now part of the curriculum, designed to align education with economic growth.
“We are delivering education that powers economies,” said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the opening ceremony, emphasizing the school’s role in preparing learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Ribane-Laka, catering to grades 10–12, offers a rich curriculum that includes Mathematics, Physical Sciences, ICT, and Economics, all tailored to nurture innovation. As a no-fee Quintile 4 school, it remains accessible to families across Mamelodi, with admissions managed through the Gauteng Department of Education’s online portal.
Beyond academics, students benefit from a range of extracurricular activities, while the school encourages parental involvement through both in-person visits and its Facebook page, reinforcing that education is a community effort.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane urged the local community to safeguard the school’s new facilities and ensure they benefit generations to come. Ribane-Laka’s story is one of resilience—overcoming challenges like a 2019 teacher shortage—to become a flagship institution in Gauteng’s Schools of Specialisation programme.
Today, Ribane-Laka is more than a school—it’s a launchpad. Whether students are learning to code or repairing engines, they are actively building a future where Mamelodi flourishes through education, innovation, and opportunity.
