Abstract
M.Tech. (Construction Management)
Focusing on the dilapidated state of public schools infrastructure in the Gauteng Province of
South Africa, this study presents findings on the current state of public schools infrastructure,
why public schools infrastructure is in a dilapidated state, various factors which contribute to the
dilapidated state of public schools infrastructure, an overview of measures which have been
undertaken to improve the state of public schools infrastructure and subsequently proposes a
multi stakeholder framework for the maintenance of public schools infrastructure. To achieve the
objectives of the study, a detailed literature review of Botswana, Nigeria, United States of
America and South Africa were compiled on public schools infrastructure. A set of multiple
questionnaires were designed to collect data from 34 public schools in Gauteng Province of
South Africa. The field survey comprised of Department of Education Officials, maintenance
contractors, school governing body members, school Teachers, school principals and community
members.
There are multiple factors which when they occur lead to the dilapidation of public schools
infrastructure. The primary factors include that maintenance works are undertaken in a disjointed
manner with no clear strategy, inadequate government intervention, no sense of ownership for
the schools by learners, teachers, parents and community members, inadequate funds allocated
to schools, vandalism, lack of maintenance, funds not allocated based on individual school
needs, neglect, deferred maintenance and overcrowding.
The study is restricted to the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The selection of Gauteng as a
case study has been mainly influenced by accessibility to the researcher and its high rate of
overcrowding in schools which is also accompanied by high public schools infrastructure
backlog. The findings of the research will be taken as representative for the entire country.The
study provides a detailed comprehension on the various factors which contribute to the
dilapidated state of public schools infrastructure and further proposes a multi stakeholder
framework for the proper maintenance of public schools infrastructure.The study provides an
understanding of the various factors so as to enhance maintenance of existing public schools
infrastructure and the capability of the government to build new schools or extend the existing
schools to meet the demand.