Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, today presided over the official launch of the Thuto Lore Engineering School of Specialisation (SoS) in Sharpeville. The institution will have a dedicated focus on Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
This launch marks the 37th School of Specialisation in Gauteng, a bold initiative established to address critical skills shortages by aligning education with the province’s economic growth priorities.
Situated in Sharpeville, Thuto Lore Engineering SoS strategically serves the Southern Economic Corridor. By aligning education with these distinct economic zones, the province ensures that schooling becomes a direct catalyst for inclusive growth, industrial renewal, and long-term prosperity.
Originally a public ordinary school, Thuto Lore has undergone a dynamic transformation to champion technical, skills-based education, formally offering subjects like welding, fitting and machinery, alongside a Vocational Orientation Curriculum (VOC). Reflecting this transformed identity, the school has adopted a new emblem. The crest features a mortarboard symbolizing academic achievement, an anvil representing the school’s strong emphasis on Manufacturing and Engineering, and a cross underscoring its commitment to holistic development.
During the launch, MEC Chiloane and guests were treated to extraordinary technical demonstrations where learners bridged theory with practice. Showcasing their mastery of 4IR and Renewable Energy, learners proudly unveiled a fully electric solar-powered car. Demonstrating profound social impact and engineering ingenuity, they also presented a smart walking stick and smart glasses designed for visually impaired individuals; both devices utilize advanced sensors to detect obstructions and emit warning sounds to ensure safe navigation. Additionally, learners presented a Solar Powered Wind Turbine, advanced Robotics, and a custom Mini Braai demonstrating VOC skills.
During the launch, MEC Chiloane and guests were treated to extraordinary technical demonstrations where learners bridged theory with practice. Showcasing their mastery of 4IR and Renewable Energy, learners proudly unveiled a fully electric solar-powered car. Demonstrating profound social impact and engineering ingenuity, they also presented a smart walking stick and smart glasses designed for visually impaired individuals; both devices utilize advanced sensors to detect obstructions and emit warning sounds to ensure safe navigation. Additionally, learners presented a Solar Powered Wind Turbine, advanced Robotics, and a custom Mini Braai demonstrating VOC skills.
These remarkable inventions perfectly encapsulate the calibre of education the Gauteng Department of Education is actively bringing to township schools. By decentralising access to cutting-edge technology and advanced curriculums, Gauteng is ensuring that township learners are no longer left behind. Instead, they are being equipped with the practical resources and knowledge to become the pioneers, inventors, and solution-driven engineers of tomorrow.
A guided walkabout allowed attendees to explore the school’s modernised technical workshops, including Fitting and Machining, Welding, Automotive, and Power Systems. Learners also proudly exhibited a constructed Wendy House and an Entrepreneurship Stall, demonstrating how technical expertise opens pathways to future employment and business ownership.
Thuto Lore boasts a proud record of academic excellence, achieving a 98.2% Matric NSC pass rate in 2024 and sustaining a 92.4% pass rate in 2025. Furthermore, learners consistently dominate technical competitions. In 2025, Alice Monyamane achieved Position 1 provincially in Welding, and Mpho Mphuthi secured Position 1 in Electrical Technology at the National Skills Competition.
Gauteng remains the leader in South Africa pioneering this unique Schools of Specialisation model, fundamentally redefining public education to play a transformative role in bridging the country’s skills gaps and driving innovation. By immersing exceptional learners in high-demand disciplines like Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and 4IR, Thuto Lore Engineering SoS ensures that the youth of Sharpeville are equipped to become the industry problem-solvers and economic leaders of tomorrow.
Yet this monumental task of connecting classroom theory to real-world industrial application is a deeply collaborative effort.
This transformation underscores the Gauteng Department of Education’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, skills-based education. It was made possible through visionary support from corporate and community partners, including Deltarette, Eskom, Air Products, Afrimat, Dr Malan High School, and Seriti Mines, affirming the crucial role of partnerships between government and industry in shaping the future of Gauteng’s youth.
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