Public Works gets new SAPS headquarters ready
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala, MP, today visited the Telkom Towers complex in the Pretoria CBD in his drive to get the South African Police Service headquarters ready for occupation.
The Telkom Towers complex comprises of 10 buildings that measure 221 954 square meters of lettable office accommodation. There are 2 234 parking bays. This is more than enough space to accommodate total requirements of the SAPS. The additional SAPS needs will be accommodated with the development of other state-owned properties within the proximity of the Telkom Towers complex.
This will create an SAPS precinct right in the centre of the capital. It is prominently located within the Church Square Precinct in the in the inner city is and it is strategically placed on the proposed Government Boulevard.
The Telkom Tower complex was bought by government in 2015 for R645 million from the Telkom Retirement Fund when Telkom relocated its Head office. It was procured to be used for housing government departments.
The Minister, accompanied by top management of the Department, visited the complex to inspect the work that has been done so far in getting Telkom Tower North ready to start the migration process for SAPS to move into the building.
“The acquisition of the Telkom Towers buildings was envisioned to ensure the Police are accommodated in a suitable office space which will not hinder their work and operations. The positives associated with this acquisition was also meant to help Government avoid fruitless expenditure associated with being held at ransom by unscrupulous landlords who charge the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure exorbitant rental prices which are way above market related price”, he said.
“As a Department, we are working to ensure that all long outstanding projects in this complex, are finalised. The first pivotal point is to ensure that this building is functional, compliant and well maintained. I can confirm now that the building is compliant. We need to ensure that everything is in order for the occupation of the Police hierarchy”.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the work done so far and urged the Department to ensure that it speeds up the rate of getting other towers ready for occupation before the 2026 deadline.
Thami Mchunu
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
Cell: 079 519 6997
Tel: 012 406 1841
