By Thapelo Molefe
The Department of Basic Education has committed to addressing ongoing challenges in school infrastructure, including substandard construction, water shortages and delayed projects, with a particular focus on accountability and transparency.
The updates came during a briefing to the select committee on education, science and creative industries, in a presentation led by the Director-General Mathanzima Mweli.
He acknowledged delays in several ongoing projects, including 18 schools in Gauteng.
“Out of 275 projects, 55 are completed, 90 are under construction and 23 are in the final stages of planning,” Mweli reported.
He explained that procurement hurdles, such as a lack of contractor interest in smaller projects, had been a significant bottleneck.
The department’s acting chief director, Solly Mafoko added: “We visit sites weekly to ensure progress and address issues with provincial education departments. Framework agreements are also being promoted to streamline contractor appointments.”
Mweli specifically referred to Nokuthula Special School, which he had visited. Poor workmanship had left the school with poor quality paving and stormwater systems.
“I fully agree with the observations that the work is completely shoddy,” said Mweli said on Tuesday.
“We are going to raise this with colleagues in Gauteng to hold the contractor accountable and get them to fix these issues. The professional service providers who approved such work must also be held to account.”
The department’s head of infrastructure, Tsholofelo Diale, agreed with Mweli.
“It shouldn’t only be the contractor. Professional service providers must also face scrutiny for approving work of this standard.”
The water crises in municipalities have left many schools struggling to provide basic amenities, Mweli admitted.
“Learners without sanitation facilities, especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape, face immense challenges,” he said.
However, he pointed out progress in sanitation infrastructure in the region, noting that “virtually every village in the Eastern Cape now has sanitation facilities we’ve built”.
“Though challenges remain, we’ve turned the corner,” Mweli said.
He stressed the importance of conducting assessments on state of infrastructure for all 25,000 schools.
“We need an updated database of every school’s infrastructure,” he said.
“Unfortunately, our request to the National Treasury for funding this vital initiative has not been successful.”
Committee chairperson Makhi Feni expressed alarm over dangerous conditions at schools, particularly at Nokuthula Special School.
“The roof structure is very dangerous for those kids,” he warned. “This isn’t a minor issue, and we will follow it up until this administration’s term ends.”
Feni also emphasised the importance of the department’s follow-up written report, which was expected within seven days to provide clarity and accountability for the issues raised.
The department outlined plans for an annual training programme to equip school governing bodies and management teams with skills for maintaining school facilities.
“We aim to train all districts and schools by June next year,” Mafoko revealed.
The initiative would also include refresher courses to adapt to staff turnover.
Despite the challenges, Mweli reiterated the department’s commitment to progress.
“We’re on the ground almost weekly, addressing issues as they arise,” he said.
“While we face systemic challenges, from contractor inefficiencies to funding gaps, we are confident that with collaboration and oversight, we can deliver safer, better-equipped schools for all learners.”
The committee pledged its continued support and oversight to ensure that the promises made translate into meaningful change on the ground.
INSIDE EDUCATION
