The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has voiced strong frustration over the continued failure by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to occupy the Telkom Towers complex. The committee expressed concern about the protracted delays and the significant expenditure of public funds on a facility that remains unused.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), along with the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE), briefed the committee on the status of SAPS’s head office accommodation at the Telkom Towers precinct. During the briefing, the DPWI confirmed that SAPS has yet to fully occupy the complex and revealed that the Police Ministry had submitted a letter indicating an intention to relinquish the option to occupy the facility. The matter is still under consideration between the Ministers of Public Works and Police.
Mr Edwin Bath (Democratic Alliance) described the lack of progress as deeply concerning, particularly given that the committee had already conducted an oversight visit to the site. “It’s an awkward situation where there is a contract in place, yet the tenants are not utilising the building,” he said. Ms Thandi Makasi (African National Congress) echoed these sentiments, stating: “There should be no building standing idle while taxpayers’ money is being spent. If SAPS cannot occupy it, then another government department should be considered.”
Ms Malebo Kobe (Action SA) stressed the need for clear accountability and progress. “We need a dedicated project manager who can provide the committee with tangible updates to bring this matter to completion,” she said.
SAPS, in its presentation, disclosed that it currently holds 22 leases within Pretoria, amounting to 144 000 square meters. These leases cost the state an average of R242 per square meter monthly, totalling R444 million annually, equating to R6.3 billion over a 10-year period.
Mr Sifiso Mdakane of the DPWI noted that one of the persistent challenges facing the department is the unwillingness of client departments to take up occupation of facilities that have already been procured for them. “This hesitation undermines the efficiency of state property management,” he said.
Committee members expressed disappointment that, even within the next six months, there is no certainty of progress in resolving the Telkom Towers impasse. They noted that close to R1 billion has already been spent on the project, with no return on that investment due to non-occupation.
Mr Sipho Mahlangu summed up the committee’s sentiments saying, “Collectively, we want to see this building in use as soon as possible. We cannot allow it to become a white elephant.”
Jabulani Majozi
16 July 2025
Arrange a tour