Durban — The Public Servants Association (PSA) has commended the KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer, for spearheading the reclamation and rehabilitation of the hijacked Palm Beach building in Durban’s CBD.
Meyer visited hijacked and unused buildings on Friday last week, including the Palm Beach building at 106 Gillespie Street, South Beach, Durban.
In a statement, the department said the building, which previously operated as a hotel, has been identified as one many either hijacked or unused buildings which the department will claim back.
Meyer said some interventions included re-purposing, re-using, and re-selling such problematic buildings which form part of the provincial department’s over 13 000 assets on the books, according to ongoing audits.
PSA provincial manager Mlungisi Ndlovu said decisive action is the kind of leadership KwaZulu-Natal has been yearning for to address dereliction and urban decay that impact public safety and progress.
“For years, the Palm Beach building, like many other buildings in Durban, has been a reminder of government neglect and urban decay, with shattered windows, severe water damage, and crumbling infrastructure. Occupied illegally for over two decades, the building became a haven for crime, undermining the wellbeing of residents and the surrounding community,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu added that the PSA consistently advocated for urgent action to reclaim hijacked buildings, which have been allowed to deteriorate under successive administrations.
Ndlovu said Meyer’s firm resolve to break this cycle of neglect is a turning point. The PSA supports Meyer’s mission to reclaim and restore these buildings, turning them into assets for the people of KZN.
“The PSA is encouraged by the ambitious plan to transform the Palm Beach building into much-needed student accommodation. This vision reflects a forward-thinking approach that addresses the current crisis and ensures a productive future for neglected spaces.
“It is a clear demonstration of proactive governance by re-purposing disused, hazardous buildings to meet critical societal needs, such as student housing and revitalising urban centres.”
Ndlovu said that Meyer’s stance is a welcome declaration of accountability and a rallying call for a new era of governance in KZN.
“It is intolerable for government to allow its properties to decay, effectively surrendering them to lawlessness and neglect. The PSA emphasises the urgent need for collaboration between the public works department and other critical governmental stakeholders,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu said the success of this project will set an important precedent for reclaiming urban spaces from criminals and re-purpose these to benefit the public.
“The transformation of the Palm Beach building is not just about infrastructure, it is about restoring dignity, safety, and economic vitality to Durban.
“By addressing the issue of hijacked buildings, Meyer and his department are taking a stand for the rule of law, proper management of public assets, and the long-term welfare of communities,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu said this is an example that other departments must follow if the province is to turn the tide on years of governmental inertia.
“The PSA remains unwavering in its support of initiatives that prioritise the welfare of public servants and the people of KN. The PSA urges government to ensure that the momentum generated by Meyer extends beyond the Palm Beach building.
“The PSA stands ready to support the continued efforts of Meyer and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in this critical task and calls on all stakeholders to prioritise the needs of citizens by ensuring the safe, swift, and efficient completion of this vital project,” said Ndlovu.
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