Gauteng Education Department Pledges Action Following Public Protector’s Report on Mayibuye Primary School Construction

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10-07-2024
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Central News
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JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has pledged to take decisive action following a scathing Public Protector’s report detailing severe lapses in the construction of Mayibuye Primary School.

The investigation, which was ignited by allegations against both the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) and the GDE, has unveiled significant procedural failures. Notably, the report indicates that the school was built on an old sewer line, forgoing a critical wetland study, leading to wasted resources and a stalled project.

Cost Overruns and Mismanagement

Initially budgeted at over R80 million, the project’s costs spiralled out of control, ballooning to approximately R106 million due to financial mismanagement. 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 complied with legal requirements during the construction of Mayibuye Primary School and whether their actions amounted to maladministration and undue delay.

Key Findings

The report identified a glaring absence of procedural integrity in the procurement and supply chain management processes of the project. Critically, it found that an essential environmental wetland study, compulsory before initiating construction, was overlooked. This failure is classified as improper conduct and maladministration, further compounding the project’s woes.

GDE’s Commitment to Compliance

In light of these findings, the GDE has acknowledged its shortcomings and committed to following through on the report’s recommendations. “The GDE… is committed to implementing the recommended remedial actions,” the department affirmed. This commitment includes ensuring continuous compliance and the implementation of strict monitoring mechanisms for the Project Plan, which was submitted to the Public Protector on 14 June 2024.

To protect taxpayers’ funds and facilitate the successful completion of the school, the department aims for unwavering adherence to the principles outlined in Section 38(1)(c)(iii) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Moving Forward

The GDE has reassured stakeholders that these corrective measures will accelerate the remaining construction phases, making the facility fully operational. “We are proactive in ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of efficiency and economic management,” the department reiterated.