NGOs to perform site visits to rented Johannesburg properties

NON-governmental organisations were set to conduct site visits at several government-leased buildings in Johannesburg on Saturday.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

JOHANNESBURG buildings, viewed from the Troyeville House.

(NORMAN CAHI)

This follows media reports on Gauteng’s rental expenditures, which reportedly run into millions of rands. The inspections were led by Right to Justice and the Integrity Network, who say they aim to verify the occupancy and condition of government-leased properties.

Much of the public focus has been on 55 Fox Street and 56 Eloff Street in Johannesburg's central business district but it has come to light that government has leased hundreds of buildings, some from property companies and companied predating 1994.

Both Fox Street and Eloff Street buildings are owned by Shenge Property Group, a black-owned company, which has received less than 1% of the lions share.

Observers note that this has contributed to disproportionate public scrutiny.

Adding to the debate, the uMk-honto weSizwe Party has challenged the narrative presented in some media outlets.

“The owners of the major buildings in the city are white companies. They still own up to a thousand buildings, and the government is the biggest tenant,’ said Nhlamulo Ndlela, spokesperson for the MK Party.

Ndlela emphasised the unfair focus on a single company.