R70 million allocated for Ulundi's historic legislature building and Amakhosi’s needs

CLOSE to R70 million will be spent on the refurbishment of the old legislature building in Ulundi and to provide pension and medical aid benefits for Amakhosi.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

The funds will be generated through the cancelling of leases of private buildings leased by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KwaZulu-Natal, according to the department.

KZN Cogta MEC Thulasiwe Buthelezi made the announcement at a joint media briefing with the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer.

They announced plans for the legislature building, the allocation of properties from Public Works to Cogta, and the progress on the audit conducted by Public Works and Infrastructure on government properties.

During the meeting, it was revealed that close to 80 properties will be allocated from Public Works to Cogta for their use; they will also be responsible for the maintenance of those properties.

Buthelezi stated, “Like all other departments, KZN Cogta has been mandated to explore innovative ways to cut costs and improve efficiency. One of our biggest cost drivers has been the leasing of office space from the private sector.

“I am therefore pleased to announce that, as part of this initiative, our department will be cancelling a major lease in Pietermaritzburg, saving us R72 million over the next three years.

“These funds will be redirected towards the refurbishment of build-