The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has committed to implementing the remedial actions of a Public Protector report into the construction of Mayibuye Primary School.

The report is a result of an investigation into allegations that the functionaries of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) as well as the province’s education department built the school on an old sewer line without conducting a wetland study and spent millions of Rands on an incomplete project.

According to the report, the original cost of the project stood at just over R80 million. However, the revised contract ballooned the cost to an estimated R106 million.

‘This 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 procedura
l 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 department said.

The GDE has acknowledged the findings of the report.

‘The GDE… 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 economic management of the working capital in terms of S 38(1)(c)(iii) of the PFMA,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency