Growing demands are being made for the completion of a stalled boarding school project in Dithakong village, near Kuruman, which was intended to house learners from remote areas. The R173 million project, initiated in 2018 by the Independent Development Trust (IDT), remains unfinished seven years later, despite millions already spent.
Project Stalled Amid Corruption Allegations
The IDT, a state entity responsible for infrastructure development, is currently embroiled in controversy following corruption allegations involving its suspended CEO, Tebogo Malaka. Malaka is accused of influencing multi-million-rand tenders and attempting to bribe a journalist to suppress an investigative report by Daily Maverick.
The boarding hostel, designed to accommodate 500 learners who currently rent rooms from locals, was supposed to be completed in 2019. However, construction halted, leaving the facility vulnerable to vandalism and theft.
Political Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the province have expressed frustration over the delays, stating they have long raised concerns about the IDT’s mismanagement.
“As the Economic Freedom Fighters, we are calling for law enforcement. We are calling for the Department of Education. We are calling on everyone responsible to take accountability and complete this project—one meant for the poorest of the poor,” a party representative said.
Government Response
The Northern Cape Department of Education says it is exploring alternative procurement strategies to resume construction.
“We remain fully committed to the delivery of the DTAC school and hostel,” a spokesperson stated, adding that security measures are being implemented to prevent further vandalism.
Meanwhile, the IDT has not confirmed specific details about the project’s status, stating it is engaging with the Department of Education to verify facts before responding.
Legal Action Against Suspended CEO
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has opened a criminal case against Malaka, charging him with corruption, bribery, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
As investigations continue, pressure mounts on authorities to ensure the project’s completion, providing much-needed infrastructure for learners in one of South Africa’s most underserved regions.
