KwaZulu-Natal MEC for agriculture and rural development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has emphasised the importance of timely completion of government projects, urging civil engineers and construction teams to deliver on deadlines to better serve communities.
Speaking during a site visit to the Disaster Management Centre construction site in Ndwedwe’s central business district, the MEC called on all stakeholders to accelerate progress and avoid costly delays. The visit formed part of Operation Sukuma Sakhe, a provincial government outreach initiative led by the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet to monitor service delivery and development progress across the province.
Ndwedwe town development and school transformation
“We understand that challenges arise in major infrastructure projects, but we cannot allow persistent delays to become the norm,” said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa. “As government, we remain committed to doing everything possible to address financial constraints and ensure that communities benefit from these much-needed developments.”
The MEC also inspected progress on the broader Ndwedwe Town Development initiative, which includes the planned construction of a shopping mall. Current work at the site involves the development of key infrastructure such as roads and stormwater drainage systems, which are vital for the township’s economic growth and accessibility.
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Another highlight of the day was her visit to Nombika Secondary School, where a major transformation is underway to convert the institution into a fully-fledged technical college. The R52 million development is scheduled for completion within 24 months and is expected to significantly boost skills development and job readiness for local youth.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the MEC encouraged the school to bolster its agricultural activities. As part of the One School, One Garden programme, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa pledged government support to enhance the school’s gardening services and agricultural learning facilities.
“These gardens are not only about food security but also about instilling agricultural skills in our youth,” she said. “We want our schools to be models of sustainable living and innovation.”
The site underscores the government’s renewed focus on integrated development, education, and food security as drivers of rural transformation.
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