The EFMS Report - SA Schools Infrastructure State
Akin to beating the drums of war, our slogan "Inspire Tomorrow, Today", is a version of our loud march to an imminent battle with a great foe. Chelo is committed to making a difference, marginally or exorbitantly so, in the quality of education offered in South African schools. The battle continues!
SA schools Infrastructure State - the EFMS Report
The Education Facility Management System (EFMS) is a comprehensive database that is updated annually by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). It logs all national Infrastructural developments categorically based on the Regulations relating to Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure (28 May 2024) aiding the DBE to notice all public schools that need to be addressed materially to comply. The report intends to also highlight backlogs that maybe in violation with regulation timelines, elevating the immediacy of infrastructural projects that matter most by law.
Data of individual schools was collected using statistical variables, which were then organized according to 9 provinces (rows) and tabularized by:
Electricity source
Water source
Sanitation type
Fencing & security type
Laboratory, library & Computer center availability
Sports Facilities availability
Content of the 2025 EFMS Report
The latest report shows that the DBE has made treads in infrastructural developments relating to electricity, water, sanitation & fencing showing varied approaches used to address infrastructural challenges faced by public schools.
The provinces of Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga, however are experiencing a lot of challenges as evident by the report showing a significant number of schools without proper sanitation. The provincial end-of year evaluation reports for 2024/25 provides insight to why infrastructural developments in the four provinces have been happening at a lesser rapid rate; Major risks and obstacles deterring planned programs from addressing pressing infrastructural needs are detailed, coupled with poor mitigation strategies, which is leading to a widening effect of maladministration.
The number of public schools in possession of laboratories throughout the country is a cause for concern, with only an average of 32% having them. This statistic offers a direct correlation with the poor outcomes of students in science in the country, showing perhaps, that it is not a lack of ability in learners, but much more likely a failure in infrastructure.
The Chelo way
Our fruitful project together with Bolt to renew Motse Maria High School's science laboratory, was a defining moment for us as a company, showing that no project is too big for our ambitions.
The project not only presented Chelo as a readymade solution to public schools infrastructural challenges, but has and will continue to benefit students in the greater Mashashane area. A successful Chelo means more laboratories, more scientific students and overall, more resources being accessible to students.
What's Next?
Akin to beating the drums of war, our slogan inspire tomorrow, today, is a version of our loud march to an imminent battle with a great foe. Chelo is committed to making a difference, marginally or exorbitantly so, in the quality of education offered in South African schools. The battle continues!
Join Us!
Whether youâre an alumnus, a donor, a teacher, or simply someone who believes in education â you belong in the Chelo community.