SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho confirmed on Monday (13/7) the investigation will focus on the Free State department of education, specifically the construction of Caleb Motshabi Primary, formerly known as Thuto ke Thebe Primary, as well as Malebogo and Tlholo Primary Schools.

According to Makgotho, the investigation follows allegations of serious maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct linked to the department’s procurement and contracting processes for the construction projects.

“The investigation will review the procurement and contracting processes for construction services performed by or on behalf of the department from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation,” he said.

The SIU will examine whether the procurement processes complied with relevant legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department’s own procurement policies and procedures.

“It will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the state in relation to the projects at Caleb Motshabi Primary School, Malebogo Primary School and Tlholo Primary School,” Makgotho said.

The investigation will also determine whether officials, service providers or other individuals were involved in unlawful or improper conduct linked to the projects, he said. “The investigation will further examine any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the department, service providers, or any other individuals or entities involved.

The SIU will also look into any related conduct involving the same people, entities or contracts identified during the investigation.

One of the schools under investigation, Caleb Motshabi Primary School in Bloemfontein, has been plagued by controversy for years. Construction at the school came to a standstill in 2018 after a dispute in which one subcontractor allegedly claimed to be owed nearly R3m.

Despite the delays, former premier Sisi Ntombela announced during her 2019 state of the province address that Caleb Motshabi Primary was among several schools expected to open in June that year. This suggested the impasse had been resolved.

The SIU investigation comes amid broader concerns over infrastructure delivery in the province’s education sector. Recently, parents and community members shut down Western Holdings Primary School in Rheeder Park, Welkom, in protest against what they described as unacceptable learning conditions.

The school has operated from deteriorating temporary classrooms without electricity since the original buildings were demolished several years ago. Although more than R40m was reportedly allocated in 2022 to rebuild the school, community members say little progress has been made.

Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba previously acknowledged residents’ frustrations, saying the department understood their concerns. The department of public works was responsible for resolving issues relating to municipal rates and taxes, which had delayed the project.

Ndaba admitted several schools across the province were facing similar infrastructure challenges.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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