South Africa to review 6,238 state homes for sale

The South African government has launched a comprehensive review of more than 6,200 state-owned residential properties occupied by public officials, with the aim of selling off homes deemed unnecessary to reduce a significant financial burden on taxpayers. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson ordered the investigation, questioning the need for the state to maintain such a large housing portfolio while many officials already receive housing allowances.

Minister Macpherson has instructed the department's Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane, to conduct the review and submit a report within 30 days. The investigation will cover all 6,238 properties, with a particular focus on the 3,626 located in KwaZulu-Natal, which represents the largest share. The Western Cape has 566 such properties and Gauteng has 407. The probe will establish who occupies each property, the basis for its allocation, and whether it still serves a legitimate operational purpose for the government.

The move follows revelations that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure spent an estimated 39.6 million rand from its day-to-day maintenance budget during the 2025-26 financial year on...