The Renaissance School Project

Building Brighter Futures: A New Science Lab for Renaissance Secondary School

The Update

Renaissance Secondary School is taking a bold step toward transforming education and sparking innovation with the construction of a state-of-the-art science laboratory. This project aims to address a critical gap: the lack of access to resources for conducting science experiments, which has hindered learners’ academic development and exposure to practical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

The new science lab, set for completion in August 2025, is designed to align with the Department of Education’s guidelines for school science laboratories. It will be fully equipped with modern teaching and learning tools to enhance the hands-on experience of learners, fostering a deeper understanding of science and its applications.

The new science lab, set for completion in August 2025, is designed to align with the Department of Education’s guidelines for school science laboratories. It will be fully equipped with modern teaching and learning tools to enhance the hands-on experience of learners, fostering a deeper understanding of science and its applications.

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Construction of the new science lab at Renaissance Secondary School is underway, bringing the school closer to empowering learners with hands-on STEM education.

Mr. Lazarus Sithole Principal of Mabotha Secondary School, Mr. Ntokozo Ngema, De Beers Venetia Mine General Manager, Mr. Cllr Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mayor of Musina Local Municipality Mawela and Dr Ntavhanyeni Sampie Phaswana, representative from the Department of Education. They attended the Groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch of construction of the science lab.

The establishment of the lab has been made possible through the generous sponsorship and of collaboration the De Beers Venetia Mine (DBVM), the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), the Young Diamantaires (YD), Zitron Projects ZA and Zitron South Africa. Each partner has played an instrumental role in ensuring this vision comes to life

The ripple effects of this project extend far beyond the walls of the lab. By providing learners with practical exposure to scientific concepts, the school anticipates a significant improvement in academic performance and a renewed interest in STEM. The impact will resonate not only within the school but also throughout the Musina Local Municipality, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Currently, the project is at 25% completion, with foundational construction well underway. On November 29, 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony was held, marking a milestone in this journey toward educational excellence. Beyond the lab, the school is also receiving a much-needed electricity upgrade, ensuring it is adequately powered to support the new facility and other academic activities

Funders

The project was managed by the Young Diamantaires Fundraising Committee:

  • Tamara Gabay – Head Of Committee
  • David Troostwyk
  • Robin Bhebhe
  • Elodie Daguzan
  • Mike Asscher
  • Molefi Letsiki
  • Kealeboga Pule
  • Cedric Barsamian

Major Donors

  • De Beers Venetia Mine
  • Diamonds Do Good
  • Zitron South Africa
  • Rubel & Ménasché
  • Tracr
  • Saphira diamonds
  • SRK
  • HK
  • Royal Asscher
  • WFDB
  • Q Report – Rami Baron

key stakeholders

  • Impact Catalyst: Overseeing project management to ensure success.
  • Virtual Consulting Engineers (VCE) & Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB): Leading construction efforts and providing advisory support.