The long-awaited SAAME building in the City of Ekurhuleni is now nearly complete, with the facility reported to be 99.9% finished following more than seven years of delays and rising costs.
The building is intended to serve as a flagship municipal centre.
On March 13, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza visited the site to review progress and monitor the final stages of the project.
He was accompanied by MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance Nomadlozi Nkosi and senior municipal officials, including the head of department responsible for the development.
Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza with MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance Nomadlozi Nkosi during the oversight visit on March 13 at the long-awaited SAAME building.
During the visit, the mayor confirmed that teams are attending to the final “snag list”, including cabling, cleaning, and the setup of operational spaces. He said the city expects the building to be officially opened in April, or at the latest, early May.
Once operational, the facility will accommodate approximately 230 personnel, aimed at strengthening the city’s administrative capacity.
Xhakaza said the project has remained within budget, despite additional funding allocated to ensure completion.
“This project forms part of the city’s broader programme of rejuvenating the inner city,” he said.
Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza with MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance Nomadlozi Nkosi during the oversight visit on March 13 at the long-awaited SAAME building.
He added that visible municipal investment in infrastructure can encourage private sector confidence.
“When investors see the city investing in its own properties and the central business district, it gives them confidence that the city is serious about taking back the city and creating a business-friendly environment,” Xhakaza said.
The SAAME building is expected to support service delivery, reinforce the city’s presence in the urban core, and contribute to the broader revitalisation of areas that have experienced decline.
The project has been costly to the municipality. In June last year, an additional R39 million was allocated to finalise the building, targeting full functionality later in 2025.
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