MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, accompanied by DPWI Head of Department Phucuka Penxa and some of DPWI senior managers had a meeting with the Seventh Day Adventist Church and Bantu Church of Christ recently, to finalise the matter of occupancy at former Lwandlekazi High School in New Brighton.
The facility has been at the centre of an impasse between these two stakeholders, with the first consultation held at the beginning of the year and a follow-up engagement mid-year. Following consultation with relevant offices, MEC Lusithi requested an urgent meeting with the affected stakeholders to address the issue. MEC Lusithi issued award letters of occupancy to both Bantu Church of Christ and Seventh Day Adventist Church.
“The department prioritises the advancement of the socio-economic objectives of our provincial government through revenue generated by leasing of state-owned properties. DPWI received 132 bids which were evaluated following the Expression of Interest, only one proposal was received from Bantu Church of Christ for Lwandlekazi Senior Secondary School and New Brighton SDA Primary School submitted the proposal for Lwazilwethu Senior Secondary School, and thereafter awards were made accordingly,” said Head of Department, Phucuka Penxa in her presentation.
MEC Lusithi mentioned that as the nerve centre for infrastructure delivery in the province, the department ensures that stakeholders are properly provided with appropriate accommodation. “The applicable legislations were sent to the relevant stakeholders in order to proceed with the process and by end of this meeting, the stakeholders will have acknowledged and signed their acceptance letters”, said MEC Lusithi in her closing remarks.
MEC Siphokazi Lusithi mediating the negotiations session between Seventh Day Adventist and Bantu Church of Christ.
HOD Phucuka Penelope Penxa giving a departmental presentation.
Dr Bulelani Bomela, Seventh Day Adventist sharing his views on the matter discussed in the session.
Bantu Church of Christ and Seventh Day Adventists members in attendance.
