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GRA T FREEIS
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Call for comment Jamey Gordon
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ocals are invited to have their say on the proposed high school in Somerset West.
‘Topsy turvy’ does it in bowling brilliance Helderberg Cricket Club’s Sharick Swart delivered superb bowling spell during Saturday’s victory over Blue Downs CC at Helderzicht Sports Grounds, as teammate Declan Fredericks (background) anchored the chase with an unbeaten 48. This weekend’s match against Vikings CC will be the season finale for the First Division C outfit. Read the full match report on page 12. Photo: Peter Bee
Community input is needed as part of an environmental approval process. The public participation period runs until Monday 23 March, following an application submitted to the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) last December. The WCED intends to build a new public high school on Steynsrust Road in Heldervue. DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette previously reported on the matter after a public meeting was held at the proposed site, where a large crowd of residents were addressed on the matter by local ward councillors, WCED representatives and other officials who were in attendance (“Engagement on school for Somerset West,” 19 February 2025). It is envisioned that the school would accommodate about 1 120 students and 35 staff members on a 4,27-hectare property surrounded by Steynsrust Road, houses, Acacia Street and farmland. During the engagement session last year, council outlined plans for the facility to feature 30 regular classrooms, two specialist classrooms, a multimedia room, administration block, hall and sports field, with a focus on science, technology, engineering,
New high school in the offing
and mathematics (STEM) subjects rather than vocational training. The school would operate like many other fee-paying government schools in the area, with residents helping establish a school governing body to determine the admission policy, teaching language and school character. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said environmental approval is required because the project involves activities covered by national environmental laws. An environmental study must be completed before construction can begin. Hammond explained why the study is needed. Two activities trigger the requirement: moving soil or materials near waterways and developing farmland for other uses like schools. Since the proposed site was previously used for farming, regulations require an environmental assessment. “The purpose of the Basic Assessment process is to identify, assess and mitigate any potential negative environmental and social impacts, ensuring that the development is sustainable and compliant with all relevant legislation,” Hammond said. The assessment was conducted by independent firm Braaf Environmental Practitioners. The study examines how the development might affect the local environment and suggests ways to reduce any negative impacts. Hammond explained that several environmental studies were commissioned to ensure all poten-
tial impacts are properly assessed. The studies include agricultural and biodiversity assessments to examine impacts on farming activities, water systems, and plant and animal life. A visual impact assessment was conducted to determine how the new school might change the area’s appearance. A transport impact assessment examines how the school will affect local traffic patterns. A comprehensive site sensitivity report covers civil aviation safety, defence considerations, socio-economic impacts, paleontology and other environmental concerns. A heritage study was also completed to identify any cultural or historical significance of the site. Hammond said the environmental assessment identified key impacts during different project phases. During construction, the main concerns involve earthworks, waste management, potential pollution and logistical issues like managing construction vehicles. To page 2
Have a say on the school To register as an interested and affected party and/or to submit comments provide your name, contact details, interest in the application and comments to Braaf Compliance Monitoring Pty Ltd via email on info@braafsa.com, or call, SMS or WhatsApp 079 499 4743. To view the Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR), visit www.braafsa.com.