Once upon a time a school was established to give the children in this community a place to learn. This is Sinenjongo High School. Sinenjongo High School stands as a beacon of hope in Joe Slovo Park. It is located in Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa.
Let’s step back to 1993. Elda Mahlentle started Elda Mahlentle Primary School. It began in Chuku Town which was an informal settlement. This settlement faced the racehorse stables in Milnerton. Grades 1 to 4 were all taught in a small shack. By 1994, the school expanded to Grade 9. It then consisted of eight container classrooms. The Department of Education helped by paying ten teachers’ salaries.
In 1996, new houses arose in Joe Slovo. The school relocated there with 16 educators. After negotiations, the school became a public institution in 2004. Elda Mahlentle Primary School transformed. It became Sinenjongo High School and Marconi Beam Primary School.
Sinenjongo High School gained recognition for its progress. Rabie Property Group adopted it. The group made Sinenjongo the main recipient of their Corporate Social Investment Programme. Malinga Nopote became the school principal in July 2010. She spoke at TEDxCapeTownED in 2012. Her speech highlighted the school’s improved pass rate. In 2012, the Western Cape Education Department honored the school. It was named one of the top 10 most improved schools in the Western Cape.
In 2012, Sinenjongo High School had limited resources. It had one prefabricated science laboratory. There was also a small garden. Two prefabricated computer labs existed. These labs had less than 40 working computers. Over 18 prefabricated classrooms housed more than 800 learners. There were 27 teachers plus private tutors. These tutors taught Maths, Science, and English.
From 2010, Sinenjongo achieved high pass rates. Many students matriculated to university.
Sinenjongo High School learners took action in 2012. The 11A grade class lobbied cellphone companies. They wanted free Wikipedia access for students. FNB Connect offered free Wikipedia browsing. This offer put pressure on cellphone networks.
In May 2013, the Wikimedia Foundation visited Sinenjongo. Victor Grigas and Charlene Music filmed a documentary. The film covered the school and its campaign.
In 2014, MTN Group gave free Wikipedia access. This was in response to a NekNomination challenge. A NekNomination is an online challenge. It encourages positive change in South Africa.
Grade 12A learners contributed to the IsiXhosa Wikipedia. Sinako Mtakati’s article won first prize in 2013. In 2014, Grade 11A learners joined WikiAfrica. They edited and created articles.
Sinenjongo High School holds yearly events. Career days introduce Grade 8 and 9 learners to various professions. The school also hosts an annual academic awards ceremony. This event serves as the Grade 12 valedictory. A month before, a social farewell takes place. It is known as the Matric Dance or Matric Ball.
In 2017, Sinenjongo moved to a new building. It included 41 classrooms and four science labs. A computer laboratory and media center were also added. The school also gained a hall and sports field.
In 2020, the new school hall was unfortunately burnt down during protests.
In 2023, Sinenjongo High School had 1570 learners and 50 educators. The student-teacher ratio was 31:1.
Sinenjongo High School remains a place of growth. It is a place of learning and opportunity for its students.