MEC Jacob Mamabolo sets tone for improved infrastructure delivery in meeting with DID management
By: Prudence Motsila
In a high-level engagement, focused on the current status and progress of all projects under construction within the branch Education and STARS Branch at the Department of Infrastructure Development, MEC Jacob Mamabolo has set the tone for improved delivery of projects at the Department. The MEC was accompanied by the new HoD Mr. Rufus Mmutlana when he met with senior managers at DID on the 13of August 2025 in Tshwane. The open discussions aimed at identifying the root causes of project challenges, developing solutions and fast-tracking delivery timelines. The meeting followed the public unveiling of the department's new Turnaround Strategy for infrastructure delivery to the media and stakeholders a week ago.
"Today is about setting realistic, achievable targets between now and December, targets that will allow us to meet our objectives as a department and province. Last week we launched the Turnaround Strategy and now is the time to start putting it into action," said MEC.
The Deputy Director General for Education and STARS Mr. Mmakwena Selepe and his team presented comprehensive reports on the current projects under construction. Achievable targets were set to ensure projects are completed within timelines and the delayed ones were identified with planned strategies to find solutions in place.
"The department will set up a Risk Committee to address the challenges, check compliance and readiness of projects, verify land suitability before appointing service providers to avoid cost escalations. A formal document must be prepared on the process of establishing this committee," said MEC. 
The department is now focused on implementing its newly unveiled Turnaround Strategy for accelerated infrastructure delivery and will also meet with its Client Departments to align with performance expectations. The MEC said the aim is to ensure faster and smarter delivery of critical social infrastructure. He restated the commitment to improving infrastructure delivery, ensuring that stalled projects are brought to completion. This would ensure that communities continue to benefit from public facilities through which social services are delivered.