Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Theo Gerber
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Lekwa-Teemane recently conducted an oversight visit to the abandoned Christiana Post Office building, accompanied by the municipality’s Building Inspector and Electrical Team, following engagements with municipal officials regarding growing safety concerns (see photos here and here).
The facts are deeply concerning.
The Christiana Post Office was officially closed on 13 March 2023 by the Department of Employment and Labour after the roof was declared unsafe. On 10 April 2024, that same roof collapsed.
The failure to repair the structure in time is directly linked to the severe financial distress of the South African Post Office, which has effectively been insolvent. Initial plans reportedly aimed to retain Christiana as a central General Post Office (GPO) serving surrounding towns such as Hartswater and Bloemhof. Instead, following the collapse, the decision was taken to keep the Bloemhof branch operational, forcing Christiana residents to travel out of town for basic postal services.
Engagement with former Postmaster, Mr Pearson Mohape, confirmed that the deterioration has been ongoing for some time. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the administrators appointed to rescue the Post Office have effectively conceded defeat, stating that approximately R3.6 billion would be required nationally to restore operations.
Yet despite the building’s prominent position at Christiana’s main intersection, it does not appear on the list of properties currently being marketed for sale, according to the regional manager, Ms Dikeledi Thloale.
This raises serious questions:
- What is the official status of this property?
- Why is it not listed among properties being disposed of?
- Who is responsible for its security and structural compliance?
- What is the plan for its future?
The building now stands as a visible symbol of state collapse in the heart of town.
Beyond the structural failure, the economic consequences are real. A derelict building at a primary crossroads contributes to:
- Urban decay
- Safety risks
- Reduced investor confidence
- Declining property values
- Business stagnation in surrounding areas
Christiana cannot afford to have prime property left in administrative limbo while it deteriorates further.
If the Post Office cannot be restored, the building must be responsibly disposed of so that redevelopment can take place. Continued neglect only deepens economic decline.
Christiana residents deserve transparency. They deserve decisive action. And they deserve better than a collapsed roof and unanswered questions.
The DA will continue to engage relevant authorities and monitor developments to ensure that accountability is not allowed to collapse alongside the building.