The North West Department of Education in South Africa has warned contractors to expedite repairs to 60 storm-damaged schools in the province. The department reported that strong winds on September 5, 2026, caused damage to the schools. Dr. Desbo Mohono, the MEC for education in the province, emphasized the importance of improved coordination, accountability, and adherence to project schedules. The department has set a deadline for all repairs to be completed by the end of October 2026.
Dr. Mohono expressed concern over contractors taking too long to complete repair work, and she vowed to take action against those who fail to meet the agreed timelines. She stated that contracts will be terminated if contractors do not complete projects on time. The MEC also emphasized that she will not hesitate to have defective work demolished and redone if she encounters shoddy workmanship. A developers forum will be established to monitor progress on the construction of schools.
The department is intensifying efforts to accelerate the delivery of school infrastructure by engaging directly with the Departmental Infrastructure Units and contractors. The engagement focuses on the progress of ongoing projects and challenges affecting delivery. Projects have been categorized into three areas: management of contractors, which deals with storm damage and maintenance; new and replacement projects; and storm and emergency damage projects.
Dr. Mohono also raised concerns about instances where one contractor is awarded multiple infrastructure projects, particularly in a province where many people are in need of employment opportunities. She warned that officials are employed and paid to do their work and that there is no reason why contractors should be expected to pay money to officials in order to have their payments processed. The department will not tolerate corruption or the extortion of contractors.
The MEC noted a trend where the same contractors are being awarded multiple projects without creating opportunities for other contractors. She emphasized that local people have the capacity to do this work and that they must be given opportunities to participate, grow, and improve their level of expertise and capacity. The department will improve oversight of infrastructure projects and hold all parties accountable.
Recently, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) North West Provincial Whip, Sylvia Sithole, called for the building of climate-resilient infrastructure to become an integral part of planning for the future of education. The NCOP urged the North West education authorities to prioritize repairs and climate-resilient school infrastructure after severe winds damaged 60 schools.
The North West education department is working to address the challenges posed by the storm damage, and learners will be accommodated at nearby schools or through platooning while repairs to storm-damaged schools are expedited. The department is committed to providing quality school infrastructure to learners and educators without unnecessary delays.
Key points
- Contractors who fail to complete projects within agreed timelines will have their contracts terminated.
- The department will not tolerate corruption or the extortion of contractors.
- Local people will be given opportunities to participate in infrastructure projects and improve their level of expertise and capacity.
