Minister Macpherson’s probe into R900m Telkom building scandal bodes well for accountability

2 August 2024

The DA welcomes the decision by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson MP, to commission an independent report on the purchase and renovations of the unutilised former Telkom headquarters building in Pretoria - costing taxpayers over R900 million. It is disturbing that this building—acquired at a great cost to the fiscus—has been allowed to get into a situation characterised by disrepair and lawlessness.

With over 50% of South Africans living below the poverty line, over R900 million was spent on a property that was to remain vacant, vandalised, and effectively a white elephant. This typifies the fruitless and wasteful expenditure that continues dogging our public sector with no accountability or consequence management.

The DA as a stable anchor in the Government of National Unity is committed to wiping out corruption, tender fraud, and inefficiency in every sphere of government. We hold the view that public funds should be managed responsibly and used for the benefit of the people of our country, not wasted on some ill-conceived projects that do not deliver value.

We support the minister in his demand for accountability and transparency. How such a purchase was passed, why it was underutilised, and what will ensure that something like this doesn't happen again—there needs to be clarity on these issues.

The DA will continue to stand for stringent oversight with robust measures toward eradicating wasteful expenditure and ensure that the government resources are utilised to improve the lives of all South Africans.

Issued by Karabo Khakhau, DA National Spokesperson, 2 August 2024