Ribane-Laka School: A Beacon of Innovation and Excellence in Mamelodi.

Ribane-Laka School: A Beacon of Innovation and Excellence in Mamelodi.

In the heart of Mamelodi East, a revolution in education is unfolding. On May 7, 2025, the Ribane-Laka Maths, Science, and ICT School of Specialisation opened its doors as a beacon of innovation, unveiled after a R148 million transformation funded by the Gauteng government. 

For the 1,600 students walking through its modern halls, Ribane-Laka is more than a school—it’s a promise of opportunity in a township hungry for change.

Nestled at 19558 Maseko Street, Ribane-Laka has long been a pillar of academic excellence. Under Principal MZ Ngoma’s leadership, the school has posted remarkable matric pass rates: 92.1% in 2023, 95.3% in 2022/2023 with 162 bachelor passes, and a near-perfect 99% in 2016. This year, a 98% first-term pass rate underscores its consistency. 

Students like Tebatso Raselapi, who earned seven distinctions in 2016, embody the school’s legacy of producing top performers in Mathematics, Science, and Accounting.

The 2025 relaunch elevates Ribane-Laka to new heights. Its revamped campus boasts cutting-edge science labs, ICT suites, and classrooms designed for hands-on learning in automotive engineering and electronics. 

These upgrades, completed after years of construction starting in 2021, address past issues like overcrowding. A partnership with the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) connects students to real-world industries, teaching skills like engine repair to fuel job creation. “We’re delivering education that powers economies,” said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi at the opening, capturing the school’s mission to prepare youth for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Serving Grades 10–12, Ribane-Laka offers a robust curriculum, from Mathematics and Physical Sciences to ICT and Economics, tailored to nurture innovators. As a no-fee Quintile 4 school, it remains accessible to Mamelodi’s diverse families, with admissions managed through the Gauteng Department of Education’s online portal. Extracurriculars, though optional, enrich student life, and the school urges parents to engage via its Facebook page or in-person visits.

The community’s role is vital. 

Education MEC Matome Chiloane called on residents to safeguard the new facilities, ensuring they benefit generations. Ribane-Laka’s story is one of resilience—overcoming challenges like teacher shortages in 2019 to maintain its stellar record. Today, it stands as a model for Gauteng’s Schools of Specialisation, redefining township education.

For Mamelodi’s youth, Ribane-Laka is a launchpad to dream boldly, whether coding software or building engines. As students step into its labs, they’re not just learning—they’re shaping a future where Mamelodi thrives.

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