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Premier Oscar Mabuyane
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane highlighted a R7.4 billion school infrastructure investment during the sixth administration, which saw over 100 schools constructed, amid ongoing concerns about poor infrastructure and classroom overcrowding. Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Mabuyane presented a detailed report to President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet, reaffirming the province’s commitment to improving educational facilities.
Addressing a Long-Standing Crisis
Mabuyane’s remarks come against the backdrop of persistent challenges in the Eastern Cape’s education system, including dilapidated school buildings, pit latrines, and overcrowded classrooms. During the sixth administration (2019–2024), the province built close to 100 schools, with an additional 20 in the Alfred Nzo District and 22 in the OR Tambo District, providing modern amenities like computer rooms, science centres, and safe ablution facilities. These efforts were part of the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (Asidi) and the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (Safe) programme, aimed at eradicating mud schools and unsafe sanitation.
Despite these achievements, concerns remain. In 2020, the provincial education department estimated a R70 billion backlog to address infrastructure needs, with only R1.6 billion allocated annually. Mabuyane acknowledged the gap, stating, “We are moving ahead with speed in putting more investment of about R7.4 billion to refurbish and build another 138 schools in the next five years.” This ambitious plan targets completion by 2030, focusing on rural areas and schools for learners with special needs.
Cabinet’s Focus on Service Delivery
The Cabinet’s engagement in Gqeberha is part of President Ramaphosa’s broader initiative to strengthen service delivery across provinces. The visit follows a series of interventions, including court orders and public protests, highlighting the urgent need for better school infrastructure. In May 2024, the Mthatha High Court ordered Mabuyane and Education MEC Fundile Gade to remove pit toilets and improve classrooms and sports facilities at five schools, citing constitutional violations. Parents and teachers have long described dire conditions, with some classrooms housing up to 100 pupils, forcing children to share desks or learn under trees.
Ramaphosa is expected to share his views on the state of affairs in the Eastern Cape, with education as a key focus. The province’s efforts align with national priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which calls for quality education and improved learner outcomes. Mabuyane emphasised that education remains a cornerstone of the province’s development, with sustained investments since 1994 yielding gradual improvements, such as a 76.5% matric pass rate in 2019.
Challenges and Criticisms
While Mabuyane’s report highlights progress, critics argue that implementation has been uneven. In 2020, DA education spokesperson Yusuf Cassim accused the premier of being “out of touch” with the infrastructure crisis, noting that R100 million of the previous year’s budget was underspent and several contractors abandoned projects due to delayed payments. More recently, in 2022, the suspension of the head of the education department, Naledi Mbude, over textbook delays and the forfeiture of a R200 million infrastructure grant raised concerns about mismanagement.
Community activism has also played a significant role. In 2021, Equal Education members picketed outside the Eastern Cape legislature, demanding urgent action on school infrastructure. The group highlighted the human cost of delays, including the 2018 death of five-year-old Lumka Mketwa, who drowned in a pit latrine at Luna Junior Secondary School in Mbizana. Such tragedies have spurred initiatives like the Safe programme, launched by Ramaphosa to address sanitation challenges in rural provinces.
Broader Infrastructure Investments
Mabuyane’s school infrastructure push is part of a larger provincial development strategy. In his 2024 State of the Province Address, he described the Eastern Cape as a “construction site,” with R50 billion allocated for road projects in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) over the next five years. Health infrastructure is also receiving attention, with R2 billion invested in three mega hospitals in Lusikisiki, Mqanduli, and Xhora, expected to add 500 beds. These projects aim to improve access to services and stimulate economic growth.
The premier has also prioritised early childhood development (ECD), with R10 billion allocated over three years to enhance access, particularly for rural children and those with special needs. An additional R100 million will support the province’s 45 special schools, serving 10,500 learners, by expanding curricula and upgrading facilities.
Economic and Social Impact
The R7.4 billion school investment is expected to create jobs, particularly for youth, aligning with Mabuyane’s focus on reducing unemployment. In the sixth administration, the province supported 2,700 young entrepreneurs and spent R2.8 billion on youth-owned businesses, with plans to surpass these figures in the next term. Construction projects, such as the 138 new schools, will further boost local economies by providing opportunities for small businesses and contractors.
Socially, improved school infrastructure aims to address inequality and poverty, which Amnesty International has linked to South Africa’s “broken and unequal” education system. Modern facilities are expected to enhance learning outcomes, reduce dropout rates, and create safer environments for learners. Mabuyane stressed the importance of community involvement, urging residents to protect new schools from vandalism and support education as a societal priority.
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