Question NW822 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
04 May 2022 - NW822
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether the grounds at the Union Buildings where the Khoisan group have been camping for the past three years are part of the national key point jurisdiction; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether her department has consulted with other relevant departments regarding safety measures around the specified buildings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether her department has engaged with the specified group; if not, what (a) is the position in this regard and (b) is the solution to the occupation; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that the South lawn grounds are not part of the National Key point, only the Union Buildings Precinct has been declared a National Key point.
2. The Department deployed the Private Security Company, Shellman Security, in January 2022 to secure the area. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has also approached SAPS stationed at Union Buildings to assist the Private Security Company in monitoring the area.
3. The Department did not engage the specified group on the matter. The Presidency Office engaged the group. The DPWI is responsible for the eviction process of the group on site. The Sheriff is currently in the process of serving documents.