On 7 June 2023, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visited Coligny Special School to launch the project. 

Motsumi said the construction project will ensure quality accommodation for learners and uplift the community of Coligny, since job opportunities will be offered to young people who possess essential skills. During the course of the project, approximately 300 people will be employed.

“We must prioritise our learners. We must never find ourselves in a situation whereby we are unable to complete this particular project in time because of some disruptions or protests by community members. There are ways, there are councillors, there are community meetings. If there is anything, I’m here as MEC of the Department of Education, but proper processes will be followed. There is not going to be a situation whereby a contractor is being abused or being forced to do something that is not within the contract,” Motsumi said.

Motsumi further said the project, which will improve the conditions and dignity of learners, is expected to be concluded in 30 months.

“Today’s sod-turning is an exciting moment for the people of Coligny, particularly vulnerable learners living with disabilities, whose lives will be improved and whose human dignity will be restored by constructing these safer conditions. This is the start of the commitments we made to communities in May during my maiden budget speech. I’m thankful that the Development Bank of South Africa is an implementing agent of this project,” Motsumi added.

Meanwhile, provincial health spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, said the department will be investing heavily in infrastructure to advance quality standards of teaching and learning spaces, as well as to meet the demand for new schools in the province.

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