Article and Images by Sibongile Dlangalala
On 07 April 2022 the Public Works Portfolio Committee, led by Chairperson Hon Mbali Frazer, conducted an oversight visit to JG Zuma High School in KwaMashu, M section, north of Durban. In her opening remarks, Hon Frazer emphasized that “the Portfolio Committee is not on a fault-finding mission but we are here to ensure that the taxpayers money is being utilized accordingly and fairly.”
The Department of Public Works team was led by the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Jomo Sibiya. “The construction of JG Zuma High School is set to change the face of KwaMashu Township and it is through such projects where Public Works is working towards living up to the expectations of the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” said MEC Sibiya.
This state-of-the-art school will have the following features:
- 40 new classrooms, 6 multi-purpose classrooms and a media centre with a smart board.
- Administration Block with 17 offices, six storerooms and strong room.
- A kitchen, ablution facilities.
- Flood wall, guard house, retaining wall and fence.
- Mini soccer field.
The community of KwaMashu has benefitted greatly since the inception of this project. A total number of 23 local youth have been employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme. Two (2) Civil Engineering students have been provided with in-service training. Three (3) disabled people were employed initially but one has resigned due to a better offer elsewhere. Ten (10) local young people are receiving training in bricklaying, plumbing, plastering and painting. A Local Project Steering Committee comprising of members of the local community has been established.
The department has committed to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The deadline for completion is 36 months however the department has urged the contractor to attempt to complete the project within 12 months as speed and efficiency should be the center of all projects.
