Officials from The National Department of Public Works led by the Acting Deputy Director-General of the Inner City Regeneration and Key Account Management, Mr Peter Chiapasco, met with the South African Police Service (SAPS) delegation led by Lieutenant General, Dr Leah Mofomme towards the end of March 2012, to discuss the issue of 1 273 SAPS leases managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW).
The meeting acted as a corrective measure by Public Works to attempt to erase a perception that the department is losing its 'footing' on leases involving the SAPS. Currently, of the 1 273 SAPS leases managed by the DPW, 396 have expired.
During this meeting it was pointed out that of the 396 expired leases, 230 Procurement Instructions have been issued to regional offices for procurement of new leases on behalf of the SAPS. A procurement Instruction is a document that confirms the availability of funds and a need for that lease to continue. For the outstanding 166 leases, processes to issue Procurement Instructions are ongoing.
Another issue raised was that the DPW constantly contacts client departments in 18 months, 12 months and 6 months intervals, before the lease expires. A date has already been set where the two teams will meet again to discuss a plan of action to resolve problems that have led to expired leases. The DPW legal service unit is also looking into the issue of landlords locking out clients, as this action is considered as not procedural.
It has surfaced that the SAPS has been reportedly locked out of or evicted from 8 facilities. This figure includes office accommodation and high sites (for SAPS communication devices). Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi has given his assurance to all staff-members during his Regional visits that the department is not imploding and that it will pull through this sticky situation.
The turnaround strategy which is already in effect is on track to deliver proper services to National Departments as per its constitutional mandate.
The National Department of Public Works outlines steps undertaken on SAPS lease deals
