Unsafe DEDEAT Buildings Put Staff at Risk, DA Says

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over unsafe working conditions for staff at the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) in the Eastern Cape.

In a media release, DA Shadow MEC Dr Vicky Knoetze said several DEDEAT buildings reportedly fail to meet basic health and safety standards. Some offices, she claims, have been deemed unsafe or unfit for occupation, including the O.R. Tambo District Office and the Alfred Nzo District Office, which have been evacuated and are operating remotely.

The media release cites DEDEAT MEC Nonkqubela Pieters’ response to a parliamentary question from the DA, which reportedly confirmed multiple safety and compliance issues.

According to the DA, problems include structural defects, fire safety failures, security risks, water supply issues, inaccessible buildings, and non-functional lifts. Only one building reportedly conducted a fire drill in the second quarter of 2025.

Dr Knoetze said repeated failures by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to act have contributed to the ongoing risks. She added that the Office of the Premier is involved but that no comprehensive remedial framework has been agreed upon.

“The government has a basic duty to provide safe working conditions for its employees,” Dr Knoetze said in the release. “Ignoring that duty puts lives at risk, disrupts service delivery, and exposes a collapse in accountability between departments meant to work together.”

The DA intends to write to the Chairperson of the DEDEAT Portfolio Committee to request oversight of the affected buildings, a full report on non-compliant facilities, timelines for repairs or relocation, and accountability for the continued safety failures.