The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is in the final stretch of a large-scale upgrade of the KD Matanzima Building in Mthatha. This will see the 47-year-old facility transformed into a modern, compliant, and energy-efficient workspace for several government departments.
Situated on Erf 308 in Ward 7, King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, the five-storey building covers roughly 11,000 m² and has served as a shared administrative Centre since 1979.
Currently the building is home to several departments and entities including the South African Security Services Agency (SASSA), KSD Local Municipality, the Departments of Education, Corporate Governance & Traditional Affairs, Community Safety, Public Works & Infrastructure, and Treasury. With its tarred parking and secure perimeter fencing, the site functions as a key service node for the OR Tambo District.
Contractor Mathew & Sons began work on 06 July 2023 under a R42.8 million contract, inclusive of VAT. The project is now 89% complete, with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors already handed over for use. The remaining works are on track for a revised completion date of 30 October 2026.
“We are upgrading this building to meet current standards and the real needs of the people who work and visit here,” said project leader Sizwe Zenzile.
Executing the upgrade while the building remains occupied has required a floor-by-floor sequencing strategy. That approach has minimized disruption to daily operations but also limited the pace of work and the number of local tradespeople that can be deployed at once. Despite the constraints, the team has kept progress steady by coordinating closely with each department to align construction windows with operational needs.
The scope of work addresses both functionality and compliance. Waterproofing and new roofing details are resolving long-standing leaks. Inside, old floor coverings and ceilings have been replaced, offices reconfigured into flexible open-plan layouts, and new shopfronts and blinds installed to improve light and privacy. Ablution facilities across all floors are being fully revamped, while the 4th and 5th floors now include a completed boardroom and upgraded ablutions.
Safety and sustainability have been built into the fabric of the upgrade. Fire detection systems have been installed and existing extinguishers and hose reels are serviced, with all new partitioning using fire-rated materials. Electrical reticulation has been overhauled, with LED lighting replacing older fittings to cut energy use and align with green building standards. ICT infrastructure is being modernized in parallel, and air conditioning systems are being installed to improve indoor air quality and comfort.
“Every intervention, from fire safety to lighting, is about creating compliant, efficient spaces that support service delivery and make the building easier to maintain,” added Zenzile
The SASSA offices and waiting area are scheduled for renovation in the final phase of the project. Both the public-facing space and the office areas will be upgraded to improve service delivery and working conditions for staff and clients.
The project has also delivered tangible local economic benefits. Mathew & Sons have subcontracted to SMMEs within KSD Municipality and currently employ 11 local youth on site, seven women and four men. The focus on youth and gender equity is deliberate, aiming to build skills that remain in the district after handover.
Once the final floors are completed, the KD Matanzima Building will offer improved working conditions, more efficient layouts, and infrastructure that meets modern building regulations. The project shows how targeted investment can extend the life of public assets, improve service environments, and create local economic opportunities without halting government operations.
