Gauteng’s R34 Million rent bill sparks outrage as 41 vacant government buildings go unused
The Gauteng provincial government is facing intense criticism for spending R34 million a month to rent 11 head office buildings in Johannesburg’s CBD, while 41 government-owned properties across the province lie vacant.
The annual rental cost of R408 million, which totals R2.2 billion over five years, has raised concerns over financial mismanagement and inefficiency.
Of the 41 unused buildings, 12 are located in the Johannesburg CBD and 29 in Pretoria. These properties, deemed unfit for use due to neglected maintenance and safety issues, remain empty despite years of planning for their refurbishment under the Kopanong Precinct Project, which has stalled.
Meanwhile, millions are spent on leased offices and maintaining vacant properties, including R233,878 a month for eight houses in Boksburg.
Critics argue that these empty buildings could be repurposed for social housing or public services, helping address Gauteng’s housing crisis and revitalizing the deteriorating CBD.
Social media users have expressed outrage, calling the situation “absurd” and demanding accountability.
The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development has defended the ongoing rentals as a temporary solution but has yet to provide a clear timeline for refurbishments.