State-of-the-art public school standing completely empty in South Africa

·17 Feb 2026

A new, state-of-the-art primary school designed to serve over 1,100 students in Hammanskraal is standing empty.

The facility, Ratanang Primary School in the Kanana area north of Pretoria, was completed at the end of 2025 as part of the Gauteng Department of Education’s push to deliver future-ready learning spaces.

Kanana is a densely populated community within the City of Tshwane where ongoing housing and infrastructure developments have increased demand for schooling.

In a statement at the end of 2025, the department described the school as a flagship example of modern public education infrastructure.

It includes 28 classrooms, computer labs and fully digitised teaching environments, sports facilities and learner-friendly combicourts.

It also has a multifunctional hall with stage lighting and a PA system, a tuckshop and nutrition centre, and a dedicated Early Childhood Development section with five Grade R classrooms and their own ablutions.

Supporting infrastructure was also built into the project, including a backup generator, a water pump for shortages and fire readiness, CCTV surveillance, an intercom and alarm systems.

According to the department, the campus was designed to provide “safe, dignified and future-focused learning” and to ensure township learners have access to facilities aligned with a rapidly digitising education system.

The department added that the school reflected the provincial government’s vision of quality and inclusive schooling. However, months after completion, no pupils have been able to enter the classrooms.

Sarah Mabotsa, the City of Tshwane’s MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, told Rekord that several key compliance certificates required by national legislation remain outstanding before the building can legally be occupied.

These include inspection reports and compliance certificates from health, fire and environmental management authorities, a Form 4 certificate, an electrical certificate of compliance, engineers’ certificates and a fire certificate.

Mabotsa explained that all buildings must comply with the National Building Regulations and the Building Standards Act before occupation, particularly when children’s safety is involved.

Excuses spark criticism

The building plans for the property in Hammanskraal West were first submitted in November 2018.

After reviewing the draft plans, the metro requested corrections, additional documentation and comments from departments such as fire safety and health.

Mabotsa said the school also had to submit title deeds and a power of attorney, and to apply for zoning relaxations, because parts of the building encroached on the street building line.

She also added that there are no interim measures that would allow learners to attend classes while legal processes are still underway, as the municipality must comply with national safety legislation.

The delay has drawn criticism from political parties. The Freedom Front Plus said the metro should urgently issue occupancy certificates.

The party also pointed to a similar problem at Rietondale Secondary School affecting around 70 learners.

“This is unacceptable and points to a serious lack of cooperation between different spheres of government,” the party said.

It argued that pupils’ right to safe and suitable education facilities should not be delayed by bureaucratic red tape.

The party warned that the situation may indicate a broader trend and said it would continue pressing the municipality to ensure the relevant departments fulfil their duties and approve occupation.

BusinessTech reached out to the Gauteng Department of Education for an updated timeline for when compliance issues would be resolved or when learners would finally be able to attend the school.

The GDE did not respond by the time of publication. However, their response will be added to the article once any comments have been received.