A long-awaited primary school has officially opened in Lunkuntfu, a remote community near Big Bend, offering new hope to children who have long walked over 10 kilometers daily to access education.
The commissioning ceremony, led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and Education Minister Owen Nxumalo, marked a major milestone for the rural community, which has struggled for decades without basic infrastructure like schools and clinics. The project was driven by Micro Project, with support from local leadership and government agencies.
Anna Mlotsa, 65, who has lived in Lunkuntfu since 1975, said she was overwhelmed with emotion, recalling how generations of children have had to make the long journey to Big Bend for school. Many, she noted, eventually dropped out due to the distance.
The new school includes a classroom block with two offices and a set of ablutions. Teachers and furniture have already been provided, and fencing will be added soon. The DPM thanked Chief Mvimbi Matse for allocating land for the project and praised the Ministry of Education for seeing the vision through.
Dladla also urged the Nkilongo Inkhundla council to consider using the Regional Development Fund to acquire transport for the community. She announced that her office will build two houses for vulnerable child-headed households this year, with two more planned for next year.
Education Minister Owen Nxumalo said the ministry remains committed to completing the school and hinted at plans for a future high school to serve the area.
