KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer has provided an update on the province’s infrastructure challenges following a “fruitful and positive” meeting with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU). The discussions centered on the safety of government buildings, particularly the deteriorating Ulundi legislative complex, as well as ongoing anti-corruption efforts within the department.
Ulundi Legislative Building in Crisis
One of the key concerns raised was the unsafe condition of the Ulundi legislative and administrative building, which houses 11 provincial departments and three national departments, including Home Affairs and SASSA. MEC Meyer revealed that the building has suffered from 30 years of neglect and was further damaged by a severe storm earlier this year, rendering parts of it unfit for occupation.
“The building was not properly maintained for decades, and the recent storm worsened its structural integrity,” Meyer explained. “We’ve had to close the administrative block because it’s unsafe for workers.”
Repairs for the entire legislative precinct could cost up to R800 million, a figure the provincial government cannot currently afford. As a stopgap measure, the department is prioritizing the restoration of the office block while exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) for long-term solutions.
Crackdown on Corruption and Fast-Tracked Disciplinary Cases
The meeting also touched on the department’s aggressive stance against corruption. Meyer confirmed that several officials implicated in R1.1 billion in irregular tenders had been dismissed following disciplinary processes—most concluded within 60 days.
“NEHAWU has consistently opposed corruption, and they agreed that due process was followed in these cases,” Meyer said. He denied allegations of political purging, stating, “We are hunting corrupt officials, not targeting individuals based on political or union affiliations.”
Only one high-profile case—involving a suspended Head of Department (HOD)—remains unresolved due to its complexity, but hearings are reportedly progressing weekly.
Audit of Government Properties Nears Completion
Meyer highlighted progress in the department’s audit of over 10,300 provincial properties, which is 98% complete. The audit has already identified 88 excess properties now up for sale or lease, with preference given to proposals from NGOs and businesses that align with public benefit goals.
Additionally, some buildings have been transferred to municipalities to bolster local service delivery.
Reducing Reliance on Costly Consultants
A major focus for Meyer has been cutting the department’s dependence on external consultants, which previously consumed billions in public funds. By digitizing operations—slashing a projected six-year timeline to just six months—and training in-house artisans, the department aims to handle more projects internally.
“We recently completed the Faith Mashlaba School project without a single consultant, saving millions,” Meyer noted. The department is also offering free architectural and engineering support to municipalities to further reduce outsourcing costs.
Next Steps
With NEHAWU’s support, Meyer’s department is pushing ahead with infrastructure rehabilitation, corruption crackdowns, and operational reforms. However, the Ulundi building remains a critical challenge, requiring urgent funding or private investment to avoid further deterioration.
For now, displaced government employees in Ulundi await solutions as the province balances fiscal constraints with the pressing need for safe, functional workspaces.
