Years late and millions over budget, Mpumalanga 'smart school' finally opens

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Lindi Masina, Mpumalanga’s Education MEC, about the long-overdue opening of the Mkhondo Smart School.

Listen below:

Several years, millions of rands, and many missed deadlines later.

Finally, the Mkhondo Combined Boarding School in Mpumalanga has been handed over, and learners are at their desks.

In 2019, the Mpumalanga Public Works Department embarked on a project to build a smart school in a rural part of the province.

It was to be completed within 18 months at a projected cost of R225 million.

So what has been the holdup?

According to officials, Covid-19, bad weather, geological challenges, subcontracting disputes, and weather-related damage.

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"The work has been completed... learners are learning, teachers are teaching..."

- Lindi Masina, Education MEC - Mpumalanga

Masina says while the school can accommodate 1,200 learners, there are currently 425 enrolled.

Often projects like these turn into political slush funds, says Bingwa, with many asking, "Is this just another case of politicians eating public funds?"

"I have no idea of any politician eating public funds."

- Lindi Masina, Education MEC - Mpumalanga

"Personally, or as a Department, we might not have power over the challenges that the technicians or the Department might be experiencing in terms of making sure that the particular project is completed at the particular time."

- Lindi Masina, Education MEC - Mpumalanga

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.