Construction at Woodlands Primary School in Pietermaritzburg to Resume After Two-Year Hiatus

The reconstruction of Woodlands Primary School in Pietermaritzburg has officially begun, marking a significant turning point for both the educational institution and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Work on new brick buildings, which will replace old buildings with lead roofs, is resuming after a two-year break caused by contract payment disputes.

Departmental Recovery

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure for KwaZulu-Natal, Martin Meyer, stated that the last two years were dedicated to revitalizing the department, and Woodlands Primary School is part of this process. He emphasized that the goal is for the school to serve as an example of the department's successful transformation, demonstrating how it learned from mistakes and changed its approach to construction.

Meyer clarified that the previous contractor left the site due to non-payment from the department. He reported that a forensic audit was conducted, which found no criminal activity or negligence; the issue was solely related to untimely payment from the client to the contractor. These matters, he said, are now resolved.

Financial and External Factors

The two-year standstill requires an additional 43 million, exceeding the initial budget, because the site needs to be prepared again. Furthermore, Meyer noted changes in global conditions, including invasions by other countries, as well as rising fuel and construction material prices, which made the initial estimates inaccurate.

School and Contractor Positions

Woodlands School Principal, Claudelle Manuel, shared that the school has been in its current state for over 50 years. She thanked Meyer for prioritizing the project, noting that the school had faced issues such as declining enrollment, flooding during rain, and dust on windy days. She expressed hope for the project's completion with the new contractor.

Contractor Zibonephi Projects & Business Enterprise, Mboniseni Ndlovu, assured that they will ensure high-quality execution of the project within 15 months. He divided the work into four phases, the first taking three months, the second another four to five months, and the third and fourth phases taking the remaining time.

Community Requirements and Support

Ward Councillor 32, Garth Middleton, noted that three or four years have passed and urged ensuring budget reserves to prevent delays in payments to contractors, subcontractors, and staff of the Expanded Public Works Programme on site. The Deputy CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Tobuize Mchunu, praised the Woodlands community for safeguarding materials on site, noting that even installed electrical equipment remained in place during the two-year absence of the contractor.

iol.co.zaJuly 28, 12:03

Solar Energy Transforms Education at Merebank Middle School for 600 Students

Students at Merebank Middle School noted the handover of a new solar-powered science learning container. This school, located in the municipality of Etewini, faced the problem of huge utility bills.

New Solution for the Laboratory

The portable 15 kW solar container provides reliable and dedicated power supply for the school's science laboratory. It also supports a broader Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program and helps reduce electricity costs.

The initiative, presented by Engen Business & Energy Solutions (EBES) in July 2026, will provide nearly 600 students with uninterrupted access to practical natural science education through the renewable energy solution.

Technical Details and Benefits

The container was designed, delivered, and implemented by the EBES Engineering team. It is equipped with an integrated Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), ensuring that practical science lessons and STEM-related activities continue even during power outages.

Views from School and Company Representatives

Olwetu Mdabula, Engen's Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, emphasized that education has the power to change lives and create opportunities. She stated that by combining sustainable energy with a quality learning environment, they help youth acquire the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-dependent world.

Mdabula noted: 'Reliable electricity is the foundation for providing quality education in a modern learning environment. By investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, we help create an environment where students can continue to study science, technology, and innovation without interruption.'

Merebank Middle School Principal, Kishan Bridgegal, reported that students show genuine interest in science and technology. He added that this will allow the laboratory to be used after classes for additional educational opportunities, and savings on electricity bills can be directed towards other important school needs.

Contribution to STEM Development

Kevin Singh, Head of EBES, stated that this solution was specifically developed to provide stable energy where it is most needed. He described the portable solar container as a compact, autonomous, and scalable energy solution that ensures continuous power to the learning environment.

Singh also mentioned that in 2024, Engen donated robotics and coding equipment to strengthen the school's STEM program, providing students with valuable tools for developing digital and problem-solving skills. He noted that the project aligns with Engen's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Furthermore, Singh pointed out that this complements the company's long-standing investments in education through initiatives such as Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS), which has helped thousands of students choose careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to the Etewini Municipality Finance Committee's debt collection report for June 2026, the outstanding debt of the Department of Education for Sector 21 schools amounts to 331 million rands.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 28, 05:23

National Medical Commission requires colleges to establish support units for students with disabilities

All medical colleges under the supervision of the National Medical Commission (NMC) are now required to create a so-called 'Enabling Unit' for students with benchmarked disabilities.

Functions of the New Unit

This unit must serve as a single point of contact for providing reasonable accommodations, academic and clinical assistance, and ensuring an accessible learning environment. This requirement emerged following the publication of new NMC guidelines regarding the assessment of students with such disabilities upon admission to the MBBS program.

Requirements and Legal Framework

In a circular issued on Monday, the NMC mandated that all medical institutions within its jurisdiction establish these Units in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 and recent Supreme Court directives aimed at ensuring inclusive medical education.

According to this circular, the Enabling Unit will act as the central contact point for students with benchmarked disabilities. It will facilitate their access to reasonable accommodations, as well as academic and clinical support, and ensure unimpeded access within the institution. Furthermore, this unit will receive and review requests for special conditions for students throughout their entire period of study, including internships and clinical practice.

Defining Clinical Accommodations

Professor Satendra Singh, Coordinator of the Enabling Unit at UCMS and GTB Hospital, noted that 'clinical accommodations are reasonable adjustments that allow disabled medical students to participate in clinical training and patient care without compromising academic standards or patient safety.'

He also emphasized that establishing Enabling Units is not an act of charity but a mandatory requirement set by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, intended to create equal opportunities for students with disabilities.

Colleges' Obligations

Medical colleges have also been instructed to publish information about the existence of the Enabling Unit on their websites and notice boards. They must coordinate their work with Disability Assessment Boards, faculty, and hospital administration, while maintaining records of all requests and provided accommodations, ensuring confidentiality and preventing discrimination.

The NMC has directed all medical colleges to ensure that the Enabling Unit functions properly, is easily accessible, and is adequately publicized to promote an inclusive educational environment for students with benchmarked disabilities. The circular was issued with the approval of the competent authority.