Work at the Rivoni School for the Blind in Njakanjaka village near Elim remains stalled, with workers saying they have not been paid since May 2024. They also report that construction materials have been stolen from the site.
The R168-million project, awarded to Clear Choice Builders in June 2021, was supposed to be completed by June 2024. It includes classrooms, hostels, a dining hall, kitchen, staff housing, and other facilities for learners with visual impairments. In August last year, the contractor claimed the project was 90% complete.
But four years after the project started, learners are still using dilapidated prefab structures and mobile toilets. The school is one of only six in Limpopo for visually impaired learners and has consistently maintained a 100% matric pass rate over the years.
The Independent Development Trust (IDT), which is overseeing the project, said Clear Choice Builders was placed under business rescue and a new sub-contractor was appointed in May 2025. However, during a site visit on 14 July, no workers were present and the perimeter fence was broken.
On 2 June, community members met with Chief Hlekani Mukhari of the Njakanjaka Traditional Council to raise concerns about stolen materials and the slow progress of the project. The chief dissolved the old project's steering committee and called for a new one.
A worker, who asked not to be named, said: "What is the use of continuing to work without pay since May last year? We are still shocked that materials were stolen, and our question is: where was the security?"
IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane confirmed to Limpopo Mirror that 90% of the original work was done before new additions, such as an eye clinic, were included. The new completion date is now set for 10 December 2025.
Makgolane declined to say how much has been spent so far or whether the theft of materials is being investigated. He said audits "occasionally" take place but could not confirm whether this project had been audited.
He added that IDT held meetings with the project steering committee, workers and subcontractors about unpaid wages. "Workers were asked to submit lists of what they were owed, but this was never provided," he said.
However, project steering chairperson Vicky Muvhali disagreed. "The list was submitted, but no payments were made. We even recovered 81 zinc sheets thus far. When we confronted the person who had some of them, she said: 'Why are you coming for me only when many houses in this village were built using cement from this project?' That means the project's quality is compromised."
Mawisa Mabasa, deputy chairperson of the traditional council, said: "We were expecting the school to be handed over by now. Instead, learners are still stuck in mobile classrooms. Meanwhile, some people are making money by renting them out year after year, while learners continue to suffer."
When asked for further details, Makgolane said: "In our responses we adequately dealt with your questions, allow us to resolve some of the challenges regarding the project. We are receiving a lot of interest in the project. At an appropriate time, the IDT will issue a media statement which will be shared with you."
Limpopo Department of Basic Education spokesperson Mike Maringa said: "All the answers that you want are with IDT."
An inquiry sent to contractor Sipho Manonga on 7 July went unanswered, despite several follow-ups.