Note to the Editors: English soundbite by the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Infrastructure Development, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL.
The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, has succumbed to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) pressure by cancelling the lease agreement at number 55 Fox Street, which has been housing the Department of Education and draining public funds without serving its intended purpose.
After consistent pressure and public scrutiny from the DA, the Department Infrastructure Development has now cancelled the lease agreement, which is a step in the right direction. This is a victory for accountability and responsible governance because taxpayers’ money should never be wasted on renting on building that cannot be used.
The five-year lease, at R2,9 million a month, cost the Department of Education a total of R175 million. This is even though, for much of the lease, the building did not meet Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards. The problems, such as the non-functioning of lifts and ablution facilities, prevented employees from coming to work for an extended period.
Four months ago, after receiving numerous reliable reports from employees that 55 Fox Street was not fit for purpose, the DA attempted to conduct an oversight inspection but was denied access to the building.
Earlier this year, the DA asked the department questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) regarding the exorbitant cost of leasing office space for various departments across the province. Their response revealed that Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) was spending R34 million every month on rentals, which is R408 million a year. Meanwhile, properties owned by the Gauteng government remain empty.
MEC Mamabolo states that the OHS issues at 55 Fox Street only arose during the lease, but at the time of approval and occupation of the building, the building was deemed compliant. He says this was based on documentation provided, and therefore, the lease was lawfully authorised. He does not reveal whether a required physical inspection of the building was carried out to assess whether the documentation was accurate.
The DA demands that MEC Mamabolo, as a matter of priority, make the minor repairs needed at the building at number 78 Fox Street owned by GPG. This building can house 12 provincial government departments. This will save the province tens of millions of rands in leasing contracts.
The DA Gauteng will continue to monitor wasteful lease agreements across the province to ensure that every cent of public money is directed towards delivering services that benefit the people.