Oakwood Primary School needed a full perimeter security upgrade. The existing fencing was over 20 years old. Several sections had corroded through, offering no resistance to intrusion. The school experienced repeated break-ins during weekends and school holidays, resulting in stolen equipment and vandalism.
Gateway Metalworks was awarded the tender through the Western Cape Education Department's procurement process. The scope covered the removal of all existing fencing and the supply, fabrication, and installation of 320 linear metres of 2.4-metre high galvanized steel palisade fencing with anti-climb spikes.
We fabricated two 6-metre motorized sliding gates for vehicle access at the main entrance and service yard. Four 1.2-metre pedestrian gates were installed at designated entry points, each fitted with panic hardware to ensure compliance with emergency evacuation requirements.
All steel was hot-dip galvanized to SANS 121 standards and finished with black powder coating for durability in the coastal climate. The project was completed in 8 weeks, on budget, and passed all compliance inspections on the first submission.
The school reported zero break-ins in the 12 months following project completion.
THE CHALLENGE
Oakwood Primary School had a 20-year-old perimeter fence that was failing. Multiple sections had rusted through. The posts were leaning. Gaps in the fence line allowed unauthorized access from three directions. The school recorded 11 break-ins over the previous 12 months. Stolen equipment included computers, projectors, and sports gear. Vandalism to classrooms added further costs. The Western Cape Education Department needed a full perimeter replacement that met current security standards and SANS compliance requirements.
THE APPROACH
Gateway Metalworks was awarded the tender through the WCED's formal procurement process. Our Level 1 BEE rating and CIDB grading positioned us strongly on the evaluation scorecard.
Phase 1: Site Assessment and Design: The team surveyed the entire perimeter over two days, identified 14 weak points, and mapped underground services. They produced a detailed layout drawing approved by the WCED within 10 working days.
Phase 2: Fabrication and Installation: All components were fabricated in Cape Town over 3 weeks, and a 12-person crew erected 320 metres of fencing in 4 weeks. Two motorized sliding gates and four pedestrian gates with panic hardware were installed and commissioned.
Phase 3: Handover and Support: A full compliance inspection was completed with the WCED's engineer present. Gateway Metalworks provided all documentation in a bound project file and included a 12-month defects liability period, with a free 6-month post-installation check.
Security Impact: Break-ins dropped from 11 incidents to zero in the 12 months following completion. The WCED recorded no theft or vandalism claims for the campus.
Cost Savings: Annual security guard costs dropped by R180,000. The automated gates eliminated the need for a dedicated gate attendant during school hours.
Community Benefit: Over 1,200 labour hours went to local workers from the Kuilsrivier area during the installation phase.
Compliance: All 320 metres of fencing and all six gates passed SANS compliance inspection on the first submission. Zero rework was required.