Question NW51 to the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
29 February 2016 - NW51
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) How many SA Post Offices were closed due to non-payment of rent during 2015, (b) what are their names, and (c) what amount was owed in each case; (2) of the specified post offices, (a) how many remain closed to date, (b) when will their outstanding rent amounts be settled and (c) when will they open for business again?
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
(1)(a) Fifteen (15) Post Office branches have been closed due to non-payment of rental.
(1)(b) The names and (c) amount owing in each case are listed below see the link:
www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW51-160229TABLE.docx
(2)(a) Of the (15) fifteen branches, (14) fourteen branches have been closed permanently, of which only (2) two have outstanding amounts owed. (1) One branch (the Bryanston West Depot) is still locked by the landlord requiring full settlement of the rental.
(2)(b) The outstanding amounts will be settled when there are cash flow improvements however, in the Bryanston Depot case, reconciliation of the outstanding amounts and escalations is in progress given that according to the landlord the total amount due is R 441 312.70, which does not reconcile with SAPO’s records.
(2)(c) The Bryanston Depot will be opened when the outstanding amounts are settled which is dependent on cash-flow improvements and the outcome of the reconciliation process. The Bryanston Post Office has in the interim been relocated to the Sloan Square Shopping Centre and is trading.