The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has released requests for proposals (RFPs) for 24 underutilised State-owned properties across the country.

Members of the public and private entities have until March 13 to make proposals on how these properties can be used to ensure they contribute to the public good, help ignite job creation and add value to their communities.

The release of the RFPs follows a month after Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Martin Meyer and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to use public assets for public good.

“This marks a major milestone for the department in the Seventh Administration where we will make good on our promise to invite private and public role-players on this scale to bring us proposals on how these properties can be used towards truly benefitting the people of South Africa, either through repurposing or redevelopment.

"This means that, where feasible, the State may partner with the private sector to ensure that properties contribute to economic growth and job creation. We believe these properties will attract significant investment and jobs through their redevelopment,” Macpherson comments.

He adds that the DPWI is hoping to use these properties as an example of what can be achieved with underutilised State-owned properties countrywide.

"We will soon be signing similar MoUs with other metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng and the Western Cape to expand the process. This process signals a shift from the department that previously hung onto properties despite serving no purpose.

"With this programme, the era of State-owned buildings standing empty, attracting crime to communities and chasing away investment is ending,” the Minister says.