Parliament, Monday, 11 August 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has expressed concern over media reports alleging several irregularities in a fictitious agreement of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) to lease a building for its headquarters for the next 10 years. It is alleged that the GPAA has agreed to pay just under R1 billion to lease a non-existent building, without following proper procurement processes.
The GPAA is a government agency that administers funds for the GEPF, serving 1.7 million employees and pensioners.
Noting the media report, the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, said that this alleged “ghost contract” shows a potential abuse of public funds. He said the committee will summon the GPAA to appear before it and provide details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged “ghost contract”. “The committee will require full disclosure of all documentation and decision-making processes that led to the conclusion of the agreement,” Mr de Villiers said.
The Chairperson said the committee also welcomes the Minister of Finance’s decision to launch an investigation into this matter and will closely monitor its progress. He said every effort to ensure complete transparency and accountability must be welcomed.
“The allegations are extremely serious. It points to potential financial misconduct and a possible breach of fiduciary duties to pensioners and the public,” said the Chairperson. “As a committee, we must ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence.”
The committee also reaffirmed its commitment to clean governance and safeguarding the public purse. “It is in doing this that we can help restore the public’s faith in government institutions. Should any fraud or criminal conduct be uncovered, the committee will recommend appropriate remedial action, including referrals to law enforcement bodies,” the Chairperson said.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, MR JAN DE VILLIERS.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s media officer:
Name: Alicestine October (Ms)
Cell: 083 665 4345
E-mail: aoctober@parliament.gov.za
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