Transformation at Hoërskool Overvaal won't happen overnight, warns Ndileka Mandela
The granddaughter of the late former president Nelson Mandela believes it will take time to transform Hoërskool Overvaal into a school that truly reflects South African society.
The Constitutional Court this week dismissed an appeal by the Gauteng Department of Education in its admission battle with the Vaal school.
MEC Panyaza Lesufi wanted to appeal an earlier ruling by the North Gauteng High Court, which stated that the school did not have the capacity to enroll 55 additional English-speaking pupils.
On Wednesday, the highest court in the land dismissed the application with costs.
The court said the department failed to consider the fact that there are two English medium schools with the capacity to enroll learners in close proximity to Hoërskool Overvaal.
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Speaking during an event in honour of Madiba at the school on Friday, Ndileka Mandela said Hoërskool Overvaal needs to be given time to transform and be more inclusive.
"I mean granddad was given an opportunity to be released (from prison) three times but he refused it because the freedom that he was being offered was a limited freedom.
"And even with this school, we have got to walk that slow journey of inclusivity. One day we will see this school being truly progressive and reflecting the demographics of our country. And that journey will take long."