Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 June 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong conducted a full day of service delivery engagements in Pampierstad, combining an oversight visit of Operation Vala Zonke, a structural assessment of the Kolong bridge in Pampierstad and a laptop handover ceremony at Pampierstad High School. Makatong said the engagements form part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening infrastructure development, and empowering young people through access to technology and education.
“We conducted an on-site oversight visit to monitor progress on the implementation of Operation Vala Zonke in the Phokwane Local Municipality, with particular focus on roads affected by the recent devastating floods across the Northern Cape.
“The floods have been devastating not just in terms of the physical damage to our road infrastructure, but in terms of the impact on communities who depend on these roads for access to hospitals, schools and economic opportunity,” she said.
Makatong further said Operation Vala Zonke has been activated specifically to address this damage. She added that she came to see with her own eyes that the work is happening and that their communities are being restored.
“Our department has moved swiftly to conduct comprehensive damage assessments across all affected regions with emergency repairs prioritized on key routes. We will not simply patch, we will rebuild with the changed climate in mind. Every road we fix is a lifeline restored.
“The collaboration between provincial government and local municipalities is essential in responding to flood damage. A road network is only as strong as its weakest link and many of those links fall under municipal jurisdiction. That is why the provincial government is partnering directly with municipalities sharing equipment, technical expertise, and resources,” said Makatong.
She said they have a duty to support the local government in fulfilling their mandate to communities. Makatong also conducted a hands-on assessment of the Pampierstad Bridge (Kolong Bridge) on the MR933 road following recent concerns regarding infrastructure conditions and mobility in the area.
“We acknowledge the broader challenge of ageing infrastructure in the context of rapidly changing climate conditions. I received the report from the engineers who are part of this assessment and they did indicate to me that the bridge is still in good condition.
“During the recent rainfalls, the Harts river was full to the brink, which led to the water spilling over the bridge and I think that caused panic to the community as they thought that the bridge would collapse. I can assure the community of Phokwane, especially the one here in Pampierstad that their bridge is in good condition and is driveable,” she said.
Makatong said she officially handed over laptops to learners at Pampierstad High School in support of digital learning and educational excellence. Addressing learners during the handover ceremony, she said: “Today, by placing these laptops in your hands, we are saying to you, your education matters, your future matters, and this government is investing in both.
“The laptop handover forms part of the government’s broader commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that learners in rural and under-resourced communities have access to the tools they need to succeed.”
The Guardian 