IDT Project | 7 years on, a R173m Kimberley school yet to be completed

Summary

The Independent Development Trust (IDT) faces controversy after its suspended CEO, Douba, was allegedly involved in a bribery scandal. The IDT is also under scrutiny for its failure to complete infrastructure projects, including a 500-bed hostel in Dakong village, Northern Cape, which was meant to house learners. The project, started in 2018, remains unfinished, and vandals have targeted the site. The Economic Freedom Fighters have called for accountability, while the Department of Education is exploring alternative strategies to finish the project. A criminal case has been opened against the CEO for corruption and breaches of fiduciary duties.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Independent Development Trust (IDT) is embroiled in controversy following a bribery scandal involving its suspended CEO, Douba, who allegedly offered a journalist money to suppress an investigative story.
• 😀 The IDT is under scrutiny for its handling of unfinished infrastructure projects across South Africa, with particular focus on a boarding hostel in Northern Cape.
• 😀 The unfinished hostel in Dakong village, intended to house learners from remote areas, has already cost 173 million rand but remains incomplete, with vandalism and theft being major issues.
• 😀 The hostel project, initially meant to be completed in 2019, started in 2018 but is still unfinished after several years, contributing to local frustration and criminal activity around the site.
• 😀 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Northern Cape have expressed disappointment in the IDT’s failure to deliver the project and have called for accountability and swift action from law enforcement and other relevant authorities.
• 😀 The EFF emphasizes that the project was meant to serve the poorest communities, particularly students who are currently renting rooms from locals in the area.
• 😀 The Department of Education in Northern Cape is exploring alternative procurement strategies to complete the project and remains committed to the construction of the school and hostel.
• 😀 Despite deploying security personnel to protect the unfinished site, incidents of theft and vandalism continue to affect the project, hindering its progress.
• 😀 The IDT has promised to engage with the Department of Education to clarify the facts and create a way forward, though they are cautious about releasing a detailed response without verified data.
• 😀 Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean McFersonson, has opened a criminal case against the suspended CEO of the IDT, Malaga, for corruption, bribery, and breaches of fiduciary duties under the Public Finance Management Act.

Q & A

What is the controversy surrounding the Independent Development Trust (IDT)?

The controversy revolves around a bribery scandal involving the suspended CEO, Douba, who allegedly offered money to a journalist to suppress an investigative piece by the Daily Maverick. The IDT is also under scrutiny for unfinished infrastructure projects across the country.

What is the current state of the boarding hostel project in Dakong village, Northern Cape?

The boarding hostel project, which started in 2018 and was meant to be completed in 2019, remains incomplete. Despite having cost 173 million rand, the project is being vandalized, and there are no signs of progress.

What was the intended purpose of the Dakong boarding hostel?

The Dakong boarding hostel was intended to house learners from remote villages, who currently rent rooms from locals to attend schools in the area. The facility was supposed to provide 500 beds for these students.

What has been the response from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) regarding the unfinished project?

The EFF in Northern Cape expressed no surprise at the abandoned project and the situation at IDT. They have been raising concerns for years but feel that nothing has been done to hold the responsible parties accountable. They are calling for law enforcement and the Department of Education to take action and complete the project.

What steps is the provincial Department of Education considering to complete the Dakong hostel project?

The provincial Department of Education is exploring alternative procurement strategies to complete the project. They have also committed to the delivery of the DTAC school and hostel, despite ongoing incidents of vandalism and theft.

How is the Department of Education addressing the issue of vandalism at the site?

The Department of Education is deploying security personnel to safeguard the infrastructure. However, incidents of vandalism and theft have persisted, despite these efforts.

What is the IDT's stance on the allegations surrounding the Dakong hostel project?

The IDT has expressed its commitment to engaging with the Department of Education to find a way forward. They have not confirmed or denied the specific details of the allegations but are working to verify the facts before responding officially.

What charges has the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean McFersonson, opened against the suspended CEO of IDT?

Dean McFersonson has opened a criminal case against the suspended CEO of IDT, Malaga, for charges including corruption, bribery, and breaches of fiduciary duties in terms of the Public Finance Management Act.

Why was the Dakong boarding hostel project so important for the local community?

The project was crucial because it was intended to provide housing for some of the poorest learners who otherwise had to rent rooms from locals to attend school. It was meant to offer a safer, more affordable alternative for students from remote villages.

What is the current status of the IDT's commitment to transparency in the situation?

The IDT has emphasized its commitment to transparency and has promised to provide a detailed, informed response once they have verified the facts with the relevant departments and stakeholders.