ZIKALALA CONDUCTS SITE VISIT INSPECTION FOR EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR’S NEW OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

Article by Andile Xulu & Pictures by Mahlogonolo Makwela

29 July 2026

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, conducted a site visit to inspect the new office accommodation prepared for the Department of Employment and Labour. He was accompanied by Acting Johannesburg Regional Manager Jabulile Mabaso, the Manager of the Pretoria Regional Office Workshop, Shati Kutu, and artisans from the Pretoria Regional Office Workshop. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) identified the state-owned building at 4 Rissik Street, Johannesburg, previously occupied by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), as suitable alternative accommodation for the Johannesburg Department of Employment and Labour Centre.

“This building was occupied by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for more than 50 years and required extensive refurbishment. The work completed is highly impressive. The department has the capacity to insource more of these services, which are often delayed and become more expensive when outsourced,” said the Deputy Minister.

The inspection forms part of the Department’s commitment to ensuring that public infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently, meet the required standards, and provide safe, functional, and modern facilities for government service delivery. During the walkabout, the Deputy Minister participated in a wall-painting activity and commended the teams for the quality and progress of the work done.

The new office accommodation comprises of eight floors with a total floor area of 3 132 m². The facility includes customer service areas, inspection and enforcement services, Public Employment Services, Compensation Fund services, management offices, boardrooms, training facilities, ICT infrastructure, and other administrative support functions. Approximately 95% of the refurbishment work has been completed, with a scope of work that includes tiling and floor repairs, internal and external painting, carpet repairs, cleaning, electrical and mechanical repairs, plumbing maintenance, and ceiling repairs.

Zikalala also expressed his appreciation for the artisans’ skills, dedication, and commitment. The refurbishment project is being implemented through a collaborative partnership between the Pretoria Regional Office Workshop and the Johannesburg Regional Office: Facilities Management Services branch. The Pretoria Regional Office Workshop is responsible for carrying out the technical repair and maintenance work, while the Johannesburg Regional Office: Facilities Management oversees project coordination, site supervision, and reporting.

Acting Johannesburg Regional Manager Jabulile Mabaso expressed her appreciation for the progress made and confirmed that staff are expected to relocate to the new offices during the second week of August 2026.