Mpumalanga Parliamentary Village still not complete

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20-10-2025
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Mpumalanga News
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In recent years there have been numerous delays to the construction of the Mpumalanga Parliamentary Village.

After missing its initial completion dates, the Mpumalanga Parliamentary Village has missed yet another deadline. The project, aimed at accommodating members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL), initially missed its 2020 completion date and missed another on December 15, 2024.

This is one of several major projects in Mpumalanga that has repeatedly missed deadlines.

On Monday, October 13, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini, said: “The project date for the DPWRT scope of work (buildings) is February 2026.”

The 50ha site for the long-delayed project, Woodhouse 309JT, on the road to Kaapsehoop, was purchased in November 2017 for about R30m from the Matsafeni Trust. The project will be further extended, as the number of legislature members has increased, and the department is engaging the trust on this issue.

Last year, the MEC for public works, Thulasizwe Thomo, said over R600m had been spent on the project, despite an initial estimate of R300m for the entire construction.

On Friday, the MPL convened an extended meeting to review progress. Fidel Mlombo, chairperson of the committees, facilitated the meeting, attended by DPWRT, the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), the City of Mbombela, the SAPS and Provincial Treasury.

Deputy Speaker Sam Masango emphasised that the Parliamentary Village is a key project that will resolve challenges faced by members in their current residences.

“It is important for it to be completed and occupied as soon as possible,” he said, noting that previous deadlines did not align with actual progress. The MPL now requires a comprehensive progress report with realistic timelines.

The DPWRT reported that several outstanding activities are expected to be completed by the end of October 2025, after which they will engage Silulumanzi to address water supply. The department hopes to obtain the certificate of occupation by April 30, 2026.

Coghsta HOD Sam Ngubane indicated that the bulk infrastructure is expected to be concluded by November 14, 2025.

Provincial Treasury representative Gladys Milazi said the project started in 2018/19 with R68m allocated, followed by R200m in 2019/20. No funds have been allocated for 2025/26, as DPWRT indicated that no additional funds will be needed to complete the project. Some funds were redirected in previous years due to underspending.

DPWRT HoD Charles Morolo said delays were mainly caused by known site disruptions. The department committed to completing 28 houses by the end of November, including those for the premier and speaker.

Masango outlined the way forward, instructing decisive measures to ensure completion. This includes involving the SAPS to address individuals delaying the project, and tasking legislature secretary Hubert Shabangu to lead a team of administrators and stakeholders to meet monthly and follow a checklist to complete the project without further delays.