Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
The KwaZulu-Natal Public Works Department has unveiled a newly refurbished multi-million rand, state-of-the-art school in uMlazi as part of Human Rights Months celebrations, after years of delays.
The upgrade of Menzi High School was repeatedly disrupted by construction mafia activity. Incidents included officials being held hostage on site, two shootings and threats against MEC Martin Meyer.
For years, the school operated with just 18 classrooms, serving around 1 200 pupils, leading to severe overcrowding. Speaking at the project’s unveiling, Meyer says the department is now ready to hand the school over to the Department of Education.
It’s all systems go now. The Menzi High School learners and guests are now ready for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure presentation , led by the DA’s Martin Meyer. It’s a celebration of the completion of the Menzi High School infrastructure project in UMlazi. pic.twitter.com/W8Jb9qTZeA
— DA KZN (@DA_KZN) March 20, 2026
He adds that the project is part of more than R600 million worth of developments that have resumed after being halted by construction mafia interference.
“This school was a poster child of construction mafia disruptions. Six years behind schedule. Six disruptions. Shootouts. We came into government, we said, no more. This school will be finished and these wonderful pupils at this school got a 100% matric record, 15 years in a row. They deserve a state-of-the-art school. So we didn’t give up. We said to those criminals, no negotiation, only education. And this is where we are today. This beautiful school is ready. We’re going to hand it over to education in the next week or two,” says Meyer.
Meanwhile, officials at the school say the upgrades will ease pressure on teaching and learning, with the school now able to accommodate more pupils.
One teacher says he is relieved that the renovations have finally been completed.
The KZN #NCOP Delegation visited the 4. KZN’s Menzi High School site visit, Umlazi as part of the #ProvincialWeek2024 to assess stalled projects across the country#7thParliament#30YearsofDemocraticParliament pic.twitter.com/gKt6tStNqu
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) September 18, 2024
“We did not have enough space. We had 18 classes, which were supposed to take 1200 learners. We are very happy and excited. Our number has already increased to 1 350. So, this means we’re not going to have a problem of space. We’re not going to have a problem of having classes of more than 70 learners for our teaching and learning to take place.”
RELATED VIDEO | “Construction Mafia” cements grip on infrastructure projects in uMlazi
www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/kzn-unveils-school-in-umlazi-after-construction-mafia-delays/
