Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, officially handed over 10 state-owned properties to the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development on Monday.
The properties, which had previously stood vacant, are set to be converted into shelters for victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
Unused properties
According to the ministry, the five properties are located in Badplaas, four in Lothair and one in Delmas.
These buildings had been unutilised by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure but will now undergo renovations by the provincial department to accommodate survivors of GBV.
Minister Macpherson emphasised that the handover aligns with his commitment to ensure state-owned properties are used for the public good, rather than left idle.
ALSO READ: Deadline extended for proposal submissions on 31 state-owned properties due to high demand
“When I was appointed Public Works & Infrastructure minister, I promised that the days of public buildings standing empty and being underutilised were coming to an end,” he said.
“Instead, I want public buildings to be used for the public good, particularly to help us address the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.”
This handover is part of a larger initiative to address the country’s GBV crisis.
Just last month, five properties in Pretoria were transferred to the Gauteng Department of Social Development to be used as similar shelters for GBV victims.
ALSO READ: Macpherson accused of being ‘weak’ after saying he’s being sidelined over Parliament fire
A promise to combat GBV
Macpherson also pointed out the progress made in the past year.
“Between 2019 and 2025, the department handed over only two properties to be used as GBV shelters. Yet, within just one year, we have more than tripled that number—15 properties have now been handed over,” he stated.
The Minister reiterated that his department is dedicated to ensuring that every district in South Africa has access to a fully functional GBV shelter.
Of the country’s 52 districts, 47 already have shelters, with efforts underway to provide the remaining five districts with necessary facilities.
“We are using public assets for the public good to build a better country,” Macpherson concluded. “Let’s build South Africa.”
NOW READ: Government settles land claims worth over R200 million since start of 2024/25 financial year
