By Bheki Khawula
and Neliswa Nhlabathi.
“The last time we were here, conducting Operation Siyahlola, we set specific timelines for this project. There were areas that we wanted to be completed before the students come back to the residence for the beginning of the academic year. We therefore made the commitment to follow-up on the progress made so far. We are delighted to pronounce that what was promised to Honorable MEC Super Zuma for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be achieved. Our inspection results depict that the beautiful world class kitchen and dining area will be delivered before the students come back to commence their academic year.”
On Wednesday, 31 January 2024, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Public Works Honorable MEC Sipho Caiphus Nkosi once more made an unannounced follow-up visit to the construction project situated at the Cedara Agricultural College in UMgungundlovu District Municipality, UMngeni Local Municipality, Ward 7. This preceded the site visit operation which was conducted on Thursday, 16 November 2024 by MEC Nkosi and his team. He conducted this collaboratively with MEC Super Zuma. Again this time around, MEC Nkosi’s team was made up of Mr. Skhumbuzo Shabangu (Director: Executive Support), Ms. Nokwanda Gcaba (Director: Southern Region), Ms. Zinhle Pfute (Acting Deputy Director-General), and Mr. Tholang Chakana (Deputy Director: Programme Management).
Furthermore, present in the site were the following stakeholders: Department of Public Works, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Labour, Consultants (Appointed Professional Team), Mr. Kalden Wassink (Contractor: Enza Construction) and Sub-Contractors, Local and District Municipality and local community. Lastly the project team members were as follows: Mr. Zweli Nhlumayo (Deputy Director: Programme Management KZN Public Works), Ms. Philile Xaba (Safety Officer), Mr. Sbonelo Dlamini (EPWP Officer), Thubalethu Architects, Quantity surveyor LDM (Pty) Ltd, EVN Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer (Map Africa), Electrical Engineer (EG Africa Consulting Engineers), Mechical Engineer (SSA Consulting Engineers) and Enza Construction.
When Detailing the progress report, Ms Nokwanda Gcaba (Director: Southern Region) stated that in the discussion entered into with the contractor and the professional team on the previous Operation Siyahlola conducted on this very project, there was an agreement to adjust the project duration to a shorter period of twelve months. This was with the view to experdite service delivery by accommodating the client’s (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) main priority of having the Cedara Agricultural College ready to be used as soon as possible for the benefit of the students.
In conclusion, MEC Super Zuma finalized the operation by voicing his satisfaction and appreciation of MEC Nkosi’s initiative of this Operation Siyahlola. “It was from this program that the agreement on the expedition of the project was born.” Continued Msholozi. “The project progress is currently 95% complete. The kitchen and the dining area will be completed by Friday, 9 February 2024 and hopefully it will be ready to be used by Thursday, 15 February 2024. The welfare of our students at Cedara Agricultural College is our priority hence we continue to monitor and ensure timeous completion of this project to their advantage.”