The government spent R164 million to construct a new court building which remains incomplete 12 years later
The construction of the Mamelodi East Magistrate’s Court is one of the prominent failed infrastructure projects in the City of Tshwane.
The new court building, located opposite the Eerste Fabrieke train station, was intended to relieve pressure on the existing regional court systems.
Construction on the Mamelodi East Magistrate’s Court began in 2014 under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
However, mismanagement resulted in the project never being completed, leaving the building a derelict shell for a decade.
Equally concerning was the money involved. The project was set to cost R125 million and be completed in 2016.
In October 2025, Department of Public Works spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said that R164 million has already been spent on the project.
There were many excuses for the delay in completing the project, including the initial contractor’s financial and operational challenges.
The project site was also targeted by local extortion groups, known as the construction mafia, demanding a portion of the tender value.
There was also vandalism during the periods when work ceased, and security was lacking or absent.
The unsecured building became a target for break-ins, resulting in the theft of cabling, scaffolding, and metal fixtures.
To add to the woes, the project was delayed by so many years that it spanned the tenure of over five consecutive Ministers of Public Works.
This instability resulted in long periods where there were no decisions, causing additional delays.
Minister Dean Macpherson steps in
On Thursday, 29 October 2026, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, announced that things are set to change.
He was joined by Deputy Chief Justice, Dunstan Mlambo, in an oversight visit to the Mamelodi East Magistrate’s Court site.
“The Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court faced 10 years of delays and was left incomplete following construction mafia-led stoppages and poor contractor performance,” he said.
“The good news is that we are now on track to complete this construction project within 24 months.”
He said that a new contractor has been appointed under a R241.26 million contract, with completion scheduled for October 2028.
“By bringing the project under direct departmental management, we strengthen oversight and hold contractors accountable,” he said.
“We are determined to get stalled infrastructure projects back on track and ensure this court is finally delivered for the community.”
Mamelodi East Magistrate’s Court oversight visit photos
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If you want it done right …. do not let the comrades anywhere near any project it is beyond any hope and logic to think it would be a success in time on budget and build to standards . But that is what BBBEE delivers bu!!$&!t baffles brains economic entitlement.