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The Public Servants Association (PSA) commends the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure for initiating an independent investigation into the procurement and subsequent renovation of the Telkom Towers Building in Pretoria.
 
The building, intended to serve as the South African Police Service (SAPS) headquarters, was purchased in 2016 for nearly R700 million. Despite over R200 million being spent on renovations and other services, the building remains unoccupied owing to various lapses.
 
During an oversight inspection, the Minister highlighted several critical points of the investigation, including reasons for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's decision to purchase the Telkom Towers complex, whether the procurement process for appointing contractors was properly followed, and if the contractors were suitable. It will also determine if the purchase of Telkom Towers was the best option available for the SAPS and identify any officials who should be held accountable for the current state of the building.
 
The PSA calls for accountability for all involved in the procurement and renovation processes, noting that expenditure on the unoccupied building constituted a significant mismanagement of public funds. The Minister is urged to extend the investigation to other unoccupied buildings acquired to provide accommodation for government departments.
 
The Minister, tasked with overseeing the management of government’s 880 000 buildings, faces challenges with facilities in poor condition, with some being hijacked by criminals. The PSA's appeals underscore the need for thorough accountability and oversight in the management of public assets.

Issued by Public Servants Association