The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has fulfilled the long-standing dream of the Ntuzuma community, north of Durban, by nearly completing a new primary school. After a 22-year wait, the Faith Mlaba Primary School, which is now 95% complete, will officially be handed over to the Department of Education next month.
Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer, visited the site for a final inspection and confirmed that the school will be ready for students in just a few weeks. The MEC acknowledged that this school represents the realisation of a dream championed by the school’s founder, Faith Mlaba, and the broader Ntuzuma community. The school is named in honour of Mlaba, in recognition of her dedication to securing a local educational facility for children who previously had to travel long distances for schooling.
Delays in School Construction
The delays in constructing the school stemmed from challenges in securing suitable land. According to Meyer, the issue was resolved when the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court was relocated to KwaMashu, freeing up the land for the school. The MEC emphasised that the repurposing of unused government land or buildings for community development was a key focus of his department.
“I’ve directed all government departments to identify unused buildings, especially in rural areas, so that we can turn them into useful facilities,” said Meyer. “This is part of our ongoing initiative. Here, a court building has been replaced with a school, and we plan to replicate this model throughout the province.”
Cost-Saving Measures
Meyer also shared that, in a move to cut down on project expenses, his department has started using its own building consultants rather than relying on external firms. This shift is expected to save millions of rands, as private consultants typically charge between 15% and 20% of a project’s total budget.
A Dream Realised for the Ntuzuma Community
Faith Mlaba, who is also the chairperson of the school’s governing body, reflected on the journey that started in 2002 when she spearheaded a campaign to bring a school to Ntuzuma. Concerns over children being mugged during their long walks to and from distant schools sparked the initiative.
While the Education Department initially supported the idea, the lack of land presented an obstacle. In a temporary solution, the Justice Department allowed the installation of park homes behind the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court, which served as makeshift classrooms while the search for permanent land continued. The eventual relocation of the court to KwaMashu paved the way for the construction of the new school.
The new Faith Mlaba Primary School will feature 15 classrooms and an administration block, providing a safe and accessible learning environment for the children of Ntuzuma.
Conclusion
The opening of Faith Mlaba Primary School marks the culmination of a two-decade-long campaign, driven by the community’s desire to secure a better future for their children. With innovative use of government resources and land, the project stands as an example of how community persistence and government collaboration can bring about significant change.
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