By 
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State province has expressed their intention to escalate the unfinished and vandalised school project in Bothavile to the Education Committee at the Free State Provincial Legislature.
DA Councillor in Lejweleputswa District Municipality Cllr. Mahalia Kose and Members of Legislature (MPLs) David McKay and Jafta Mokoena, Dr Igor Scheurkogel (MP) and Cllr Thinus Barnard recently conducted an oversight inspection at Tshehetso Primary School in Kgotsong, Bothaville, where according to Kose, they found the abandoned school project vandalised.
To their dismay, Cllr Kose said the mismanagement has not only wasted the funds already allocated but has also denied learners in Kgotsong their right to quality education. She said it is not her first time making an oversight visit at the site, her first visit was in January 2023, and things seem to be getting worse.
“The project began in 2018 and was due for completion in 2021. Workers abandoned the site in July 2022, briefly returned in September, but construction stalled again. Although work resumed in February 2024, reaching 90% completion, progress was halted from April 2025 onwards.
Unpaid workers and security staff left the site, leaving the school completely unprotected.
As a result, severe vandalism has taken place. Doors, chalkboards, and plumbing fixtures have been stripped, sanitation systems have been destroyed, and roofing has been stolen daily. What was once a nearly completed school has now been reduced to ruins,” said Cllr Mahalia Kose.
“The project will now require additional money, potential new contractors, and replacement of stolen infrastructure, resources that could otherwise improve service delivery in Nala.
To address this crisis, DA MPL Dulandi Leech will formally report the matter to the Education Committee. At the same time, I will write to the Lejweleputswa District Municipality’s Municipal Manager requesting urgent intervention. The DA will continue to monitor progress closely and fight for the rights of Nala residents,” she continued.
Pointing to the extent of the damage and vandalism at the abandoned school project, Cllr Kose said it is a demonstration of how corruption and mismanagement harm communities directly.
“By voting for a DA-led government in the 2026/7 Local Government Elections, residents can secure accountable leadership that prioritises service delivery and the future of our children,” concluded Cllr Kose.
