Pretoria: The Gauteng delegation of permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has called for immediate corrective action and increased accountability following oversight visits that revealed ongoing delays at two school construction projects and the Women Living Monument in Pretoria.
According to African Press Organization, these visits are part of the NCOP's 2026 Provincial Week programme, designed to assess progress on earlier commitments and recommendations from previous oversight engagements. The delegation began their inspections in Daveyton, accompanied by Mr. Jacob Mamabolo, the MEC for Infrastructure Development and COGTA, along with senior government officials. At Barcelona Primary School, members were concerned that construction had not progressed despite prior commitments to resolve the challenges. It was reported that the previous contractor's services had been terminated due to slow progress, and the process to appoint a new contractor was underway, with bid evaluations completed on August 12, 2026, and an appointment aimed for August 28, 2026.
Members of the delegation questioned the causes of the delays and called for strict timelines to bring the project back on track. They emphasized the need for consequences where failure is identified and advocated for closer monitoring of contractor performance and procurement processes. The delegation stressed that communities should not be left waiting indefinitely for vital infrastructure necessary for quality public services.
Concerns were also raised about the financial implications of terminating the previous contractor. Members called for measures to protect public funds and recover any amounts owed to the government. Mr. Mamabolo committed to providing further information on the project within 14 days, including the implementation plan and timelines for completing the school.
At Semphato Secondary School in Soshanguve, the delegation expressed concern over ongoing construction delays and discrepancies in reported progress. Members questioned the termination and reinstatement of contractors, project expenditure, and the lack of tangible progress since their previous oversight visit. Concerns were also raised about the state of temporary classrooms and ablution facilities used by learners, despite earlier promises to address these issues.
The delegation requested separate detailed reports from the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development and COGTA, and the provincial education department within 14 working days. The infrastructure report is expected to cover the project status, the terminated contractor, consequence-management measures, investigations into allegations surrounding the project, and clear timelines for completion. The delegation also called for the department to consider opening criminal cases against parties where investigations reveal possible criminal conduct arising from breaches of contractual obligations.
The education department is expected to report separately on the condition of the temporary learning facilities and ablution blocks, the required interventions, and the timeframes for addressing the concerns raised. The delegation emphasized that commitments made during parliamentary oversight must be followed by measurable action, particularly where learners' safety and dignity are at stake.
At the Women Living Monument in Pretoria, the delegation expressed concern that the facility remains non-operational despite previous commitments to complete outstanding requirements. They were particularly concerned about the outstanding occupancy-related certification needed before the facility can become operational. The delegation expressed dissatisfaction that the responsible municipal official was unavailable to account for the outstanding certification and stressed that commitments made to Parliament must be honored.
The Department of Infrastructure Development and the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation committed to ensuring that the outstanding processes are concluded and that the monument is officially opened by the end of August 2026. The delegation will follow up on this commitment to ensure the facility's ultimate purpose of commemorating and preserving the history and contribution of women in South Africa is fulfilled.
Across the three sites, the delegation identified recurring concerns affecting public infrastructure delivery, including project delays, contractor performance, procurement and supply-chain weaknesses, consequence management, and the protection of public funds. The delegation emphasized that the purpose of oversight is not merely to receive explanations for delays, but to ensure that identified challenges result in specific corrective action.
Ms. Jane Mananiso, Gauteng Provincial Whip and leader of the delegation, stated that the site visits reinforced the importance of the legislature in conducting oversight and accountability. "Oversight cannot simply be about visiting projects, listening to explanations, and then moving on. Our responsibility is to follow through on commitments made to Parliament and to the communities we represent. Where projects are delayed, there must be clear corrective measures, accountability, and realistic timelines. Where public resources have been compromised, there must be consequence management," she said.
Ms. Mananiso added that the delegation would assess the commitments made during the visits as part of its provincial debriefing and reflect the outstanding matters in its report to Parliament.