Uncategorized
Phuti Mosomane
THE Gauteng MEC of Education Matome Chiloane welcomed on Monday the Mayibuye Formal Report of the Public Protector and assured the public that remedial actions recommended will be implemented.
The Public Protector released a report two weeks ago investigating allegations of improper conduct by functionaries of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) concerning 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.
Mayibuye Primary School was officially opened on 7 February 2024.
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 found that the results of poor project management by both the Department of Education and the Department of Infrastructure Development, taxpayers had to forfeit R10m due to a nearly two-year delay in handing over the site to the contractors.
The PP has also instructed the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) to provide her office within 60 days from the date of receipt of the report with a project plan indicating how and when the completion of the remaining external civil works will be finalised.
On Monday Chiloane said his department will implement remedial actions and ensure strict monitoring mechanisms.
“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 economic management of the working capital in terms of S 38(1)(c)(iii) of the PFMA,” Chiloane said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
