Telkom Towers Complex: South African Police Service Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Occupation

Strategic Insights -

The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure in the Parliament of South Africa has voiced strong frustration over the continued failure of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to occupy the Telkom Towers complex, a facility that has already cost taxpayers close to R1 billion. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) briefed the committee on the status of SAPS's head office accommodation, revealing that the Police Ministry had submitted a letter indicating an intention to relinquish the option to occupy the facility. The committee expressed concern over the protracted delays and significant expenditure of public funds on a facility that remains unused.

Key Takeaways:

  • The South African Police Service (SAPS) has yet to fully occupy the Telkom Towers complex, despite a contract being in place, resulting in a significant waste of public funds.
  • The Police Ministry has submitted a letter indicating an intention to relinquish the option to occupy the facility, which is still under consideration by the Ministers of Public Works and Police.
  • SAPS holds 22 leases within Pretoria, amounting to 144 000 square meters, at an average cost of R242 per square meter monthly, totaling R444 million annually.
  • The cost of these leases over a 10-year period amounts to R6.3 billion.
  • The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) noted that one of the persistent challenges is the unwillingness of client departments to take up occupation of facilities that have already been procured for them.
  • Committee members expressed disappointment that, even within the next six months, there is no certainty of progress in resolving the Telkom Towers impasse.
  • Close to R1 billion has already been spent on the project, with no return on that investment due to non-occupation.

Statistics:

  • SAPS holds 22 leases within Pretoria, amounting to 144 000 square meters.
  • These leases cost the state an average of R242 per square meter monthly, totaling R444 million annually.
  • The cost of these leases over a 10-year period amounts to R6.3 billion.
  • Close to R1 billion has already been spent on the project with no return on that investment due to non-occupation.

Sources:

  • (2025) The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, (Parliament of South Africa)