As 2025 draws to a close, Gauteng has failed to complete or hand over any school infrastructure projects, intensifying overcrowding and facility issues in the province's education system. The Democratic Alliance criticizes severe delays and inefficiencies, while the Department of Infrastructure Development outlines turnaround efforts and disputes completion figures.
In Gauteng, the education sector faces mounting pressure as no school infrastructure projects have been finished or transferred to the Department of Education by late 2025. Democratic Alliance Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development, Nico de Jager, highlighted the crisis, noting that major constructions remain stalled despite assurances. He pointed to Thubelihle Intermediate School in Soweto at 35% completion, Hoërskool Elsburg in Ekurhuleni below 50%, and Bafeti LSEN School in Mabopane far behind schedule, all critical for addressing overcrowding and special needs facilities.
De Jager attributed delays to administrative inefficiencies, poor contractor vetting, and inadequate planning. "Only 67% of the allocated budget was utilised, and just 86% of invoices were paid within 30 days," he told Daily Maverick. "This shows something is fundamentally wrong." He called for a national blacklist for underperforming contractors and better project management to counter issues like fake bank guarantees and construction mafias. The department's quarter two performance dipped 6% to 67%, linked to recurring problems such as abandoned sites and unqualified builders.
The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, through spokesperson Theo Nkonki, countered with higher completion rates: Thubelihle at 80% for handover by end-February 2026, Hoërskool Elsburg at 65% targeting April 2026, and Bafeti at 62% finishing on 27 February 2026. Mobile units support learning at Bafeti during work. Nkonki described the 67% figure as a year-over-year comparison, not current regression, and emphasized a Turnaround Strategy launched in August 2025. This includes a Project Readiness Matrix, strict penalties for contractors, and an 'A-Team' for oversight, backed by a R2.8-billion budget.
Other sites like Rust Ter Vaal Secondary School and Nancefield Primary School aim for occupancy between January and March 2026. The department is pursuing internal reviews and transparency tools to build confidence, though learners continue facing overcrowded or temporary setups, straining educators and quality of education.