Gauteng school infrastructure delays worsen overcrowding

Mounting delays in the delivery of school infrastructure in Gauteng are worsening overcrowding, disrupting teaching and learning, and exposing pupils to unsafe conditions. A recent presentation on the Energy Performance Certificate for the Johannesburg region painted a picture of strained capacity, with mobile classrooms, stalled construction projects, and infrastructure backlogs continuing to define the schooling environment. The presentation highlights overcrowding as a persistent challenge, with districts identifying a “serious challenge” in accommodating growing pupil numbers, particularly in densely populated areas such as Ivory Park and Alexandra.

It added that authorities have compiled “a priority list on additional classrooms to the existing overcrowded schools and the priority list of new schools to areas where there is overcrowding.” To cope with rising pupil numbers, the department has increasingly turned to temporary solutions. “Mobile schools have been prioritised by the District Office for replacement with brick and mortar structures,” the report states, but acknowledges that many remain in use. At least 107 schools across Gauteng are currently using mobile classrooms, underlining the scale of the infrastructure gap.

Major infrastructure projects meant to ease pressure on schools have also been delayed or disrupted. At Inkululeko Yesizwe Primary School, “the contractor was terminated due to under performance… failing to demonstrate competence in terms of resourcing the project (financial, human and machinery)”. The project stalled at just 35% completion, and “the matter is currently under adjudication (No definite timelines on concluding the matter)”.

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Similarly, the Nancefield Primary School project has faced repeated setbacks. “The construction completion was never achieved – termination,” the report notes, listing multiple causes for delays, including “prolonged procurement processes”, “community disruptions”, and “cash flow issues encountered by the previous contractor”.

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