The Western Cape Education Department on Friday opened the Northpine Technical High School.
It is one of five technical high schools in the province. The other four are Delft Technical HS, Oude Molen, Belville and Drostdy Technical High School.
Each of these schools specialise in technical subjects such as mechanical technology; electrical technology; civil technology; engineering, graphics and design; mathematics and science, according to the department.
“Technical schools such as this are extremely valuable to this government. They provide important educational opportunities for learners who want to study in fields such as mechanical technology and engineering, and are key to developing skills in the Western Cape.”
Development driver
Western Cape minister of education Donald Grant said at the opening that, in addition to the five technical high schools, there are 19 additional “comprehensive technical schools”, which offer four technical subjects and other subjects such as history and geography.
“To produce learners with skills in engineering is very valuable to us. Engineering is a key driver of human development and Africa in particular has a very small engineering capacity, which results in many African nations being unable to develop crucial infrastructure without outside aid.
“The attainment of many of the Millennium Development Goals, for example, requires the achievement of sufficient engineering capacity to develop infrastructure and sustainable technological development. We certainly can't progress as a province if we do not have the requisite engineering skills.”
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