​A century-old legacy met a bold new future as the Gauteng provincial government officially unveiled the Ribane-Laka Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi East. Rebuilt at a cost of R148 million, the revamped institution is now a beacon of educational innovation, equipped to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Originally established in 1924 as Lady Selbourne High School, the institution was renamed Ribane-Laka High School in 1967. Over the decades, it has earned a reputation for academic excellence, most recently achieving a 98% pass rate in the first term of the current academic year. It is this consistent performance that Premier Panyaza Lesufi highlighted when he remarked, "We chose Ribane-Laka because at one stage they gave us 100% success."
On May 7, 2025, the Gauteng provincial government officially launched the Ribane-Laka Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi East. 
The revamped school boasts advanced laboratories, modern ICT infrastructure, and specialized facilities for automotive and electronics education. Learners have access to smart classrooms, 3D printers, virtual reality/augmented reality headsets, and a maths park, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and hands-on learning. 
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, MEC Matome Chiloane,and MEC of Infrastructure Development and COGTA Jacob Mamabolo. Partnerships with industry leaders such as Tasez Automotive, SAAB Grintek Defence, Ford and Lanseria Airport were also announced, ensuring that the curriculum remains aligned with industry standards and future employment opportunities. 
Tasez leader, Bheki Zulu, said the entity has launched an academy, which will give learners opportunities to advance their studies and achieve automotive excellence.
"Over and above that we want to expose these learners to industries so that by the time they exit the school they have a fair understanding of what automotive and ICT is all about," he said.
Premier Lesufi said in his keynote address: "Today we are launching education for purpose, where our children are not going to be taught things that are not going to assist them. Where our children are not going to be taught things that are going to be irrelevant when they leave the school."
"We chose Ribane-Laka because at one stage they gave us 100% success," he said.
The transformation of Ribane-Laka into a School of Specialisation underscores the Gauteng government's commitment to providing quality education that meets the evolving needs of the economy. By integrating academic instruction with professional application, the school aims to produce graduates who are not only job-ready but also capable of driving innovation in the automotive and electronics sectors. 
During the ceremony, MEC Chiloane emphasized that the school is not just about job readiness, but about job creation.
"Our objective is not just for learners to be employed, but for them to create jobs for themselves and others… We are giving you skills that will empower you not only in terms of a career path but practical skills you can use immediately."
"As much as one learner said it will improve their employability, our objective is not to be employed; it is for them to create jobs for themselves and others. Once you know how to fix a car, that skill you can use to benefit yourselves economically. We are giving you skills that will empower you not only in terms of a career path, but practical skills that you can use if there is a need for them," MEC said.