Tanganani Primary School in Diepsloot has officially opened its doors, marking a breakthrough for hundreds of children waiting for access to education. Teaching is underway after weeks of disruption caused by community protests and construction delays.
New Diepsloot school setbacks Spark Temporary Solutions
Originally scheduled to open on 5 May, the new Diepsloot school’s launch was delayed after residents protested for economic opportunities. The unrest affected both the construction progress and the appointment of teachers. The Gauteng Department of Education said these disruptions were beyond its control but quickly moved to limit the impact on learners.
“This measure ensured that academic activities continued while the recruitment of permanent educators proceeded according to the Department’s Recruitment and Selection Policy,” said departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona.
The hiring process concluded on 21 May, and the newly appointed educators are expected to report by 2 June.
A Response to Overcrowding
Tanganani Primary is one of two new schools in Diepsloot earmarked to address overcrowding in the fast-growing township. Earlier this month, the Department revealed that 285 learners in Diepsloot had not yet attended school this year, 206 of them in primary school. While Tanganani has delivered 18 functional classrooms, the second school is still under construction, and work on a third has not yet started.
Despite the delays, the Department has confirmed that Tanganani Primary School is safe and operational.
“The school premises are secure, with appropriate fencing and lockable gates in place,” Mabona said.
Temporary services, including mobile toilets, water tankers, and a generator delivered on 15 May, have been implemented to ensure the new Diepsloot school can function. A power kiosk was installed on 24 May, with complete electrical distribution expected by 27 May.
Academic Recovery Underway
The Department has launched academic support initiatives to recover lost teaching time in the new Diepsloot school, including assessments, remedial lessons, and peer-supported learning sessions.
“These include baseline assessments conducted between 12 and 16 May 2025, followed by the development of customised intervention plans informed by diagnostic results,” said Mabona.
A mid-year academic review is set for 31 July, to reintegrate learners into the entire curriculum by Term 4.
With classes finally in session, can Tanganani Primary become a lasting solution to Diepsloot’s education crisis?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
