Phuti Mosomane
THE Gauteng MEC of Education, Matome Chiloane, wholeheartedly welcomed the Mayibuye Formal Report of the Public Protector on Monday. He assured the public of his unwavering commitment to implementing the recommended remedial actions, reassuring the public and stakeholders.
The Public Protector’s report, a crucial document released two weeks ago, has brought to light serious allegations of improper conduct by functionaries of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) in the construction of Mayibuye Primary School.
The report, issued under Section 182(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 8(1) of the Public Protector Act, scrutinises whether the GDID and GDE adhered to legal prescripts and procedures during the construction of Mayibuye Primary School and whether their actions constituted maladministration and undue delay.
The investigation found a lack of procedural integrity in the procurement and supply chain management procedures used in building the school. Additionally, the report alleges that a critical wetland study was not conducted before construction began, suggesting further improper conduct and maladministration.
The Public Protector’s investigation revealed that the Department of Education and the Department of Infrastructure Development’s poor project management led to a significant delay in handing over the site to the contractors. This delay, which lasted nearly two years, resulted in taxpayers forfeiting R10m.
The PP has also instructed the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) to provide her office with a project plan within 60 days of receiving the report indicating how and when the completion of the remaining external civil works will be finalized.
Chiloane, speaking on Monday, reiterated his department’s commitment to implementing the recommended remedial actions and ensuring strict monitoring mechanisms are in place.
“The GDE acknowledges the findings of this report and is committed to implementing the recommended remedial actions.
“Such implementation includes ensuring continuous compliance and strict monitoring mechanisms of the Project Plan, which was already provided to the Public Protector on 14 June 2024, to ensure that the school is fully operational in line with the efficient and economical management of the working capital in terms of S 38(1)(c)(iii) of the PFMA,” Chiloane said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
