Private Sector Steps In to Rescue Water-Stricken Nelson Mandela Bay Schools
Nelson Mandela Bay schools are receiving much-needed support from the private sector after months of water shortages disrupted learning, sanitation, and school feeding programmes. Coega Steels has stepped in to restore critical water infrastructure at two public high schools ahead of the year-end examination period.
Schools Struggling Under the Water Crisis
Motherwell High School and Douglas Mbopa High School have been battling severe water supply challenges caused by aging infrastructure, recurring municipal water cuts, and deteriorating sanitation facilities.
The crisis has affected not only classrooms but also school feeding programmes, hygiene, and the overall learning environment for thousands of learners.
Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, school governing bodies found little relief and eventually turned to private-sector company Coega Steels for assistance.
Coega Steels Provides a Lifeline
Recognising that many of its employees have children attending the affected schools, Coega Steels assembled a specialist team to restore and improve critical water infrastructure.
Project Manager Rohan Raiker said the work, originally expected to be completed by the end of the year, is already well ahead of schedule.
At Motherwell High School, the upgrades included:
- Repairing burst water pipes
- Installing a new 30-metre water line
- Fitting new taps and pumps
- Donating a 10,000-litre water storage tank
- Improving irrigation for the school’s vegetable garden
The vegetable garden plays an important role in supplying produce for school meals while also supporting members of the surrounding community.
Restoring Dignity for Learners
For Motherwell High School Principal Ntomboxolo Kula, the project is about far more than water.
She explained that functioning toilets restore dignity to learners while also providing a safe and private space where students and teachers can gather themselves during difficult moments.
“It’s not nice for the kids when the toilets are not working. It takes away their dignity.”
Douglas Mbopa High School Sees Immediate Improvements
At Douglas Mbopa High School, the first phase of the project focused on restoring water to the kitchen, allowing school meals to resume under safer conditions.
The work included:
- Replacing damaged water lines
- Installing new outdoor taps
- Repairing waste pipes
- Adding filtration systems
- Installing a new stopcock
Principal Mziwake Keye believes these improvements will reduce water waste and lower the school’s municipal bills while ensuring food preparation remains safe.
The next phase will involve installing water tanks to supply all school toilets with reliable running water.
A Partnership That Extends Beyond Construction
Coega Steels says the project is part of its long-term commitment to education and community development.
The company plans to continue monitoring water usage at both schools while responding quickly to future maintenance issues due to its proximity to the institutions.
Raiker also encouraged more businesses to partner with schools facing similar infrastructure challenges, describing investment in education as an investment in South Africa’s future.
Investing in Future Generations
Beyond infrastructure improvements, Coega Steels has also been actively supporting youth development through educational partnerships and industry exposure programmes.
Earlier this year, engineering students from the Czech Republic and learners from Gqeberha’s Olifantsfontein Artisans Academy visited the company’s facilities to gain practical industry experience.
The company hopes to extend similar opportunities to learners from Motherwell and Douglas Mbopa High Schools in the future.
Why Community Partnerships Matter
The challenges facing many South African schools cannot be solved by government alone. Partnerships between the public and private sectors continue to play an important role in improving education, restoring dignity, and creating safer learning environments for young people. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how businesses can make a meaningful difference by investing in the communities where they operate.
