The Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has requested the National Treasury to oversee an independent investigation into a controversial R70 million lease agreement for government office space in Pretoria.

This follows a preliminary anti-corruption report which flagged serious concerns about how the tender was handled and suggested that senior officials may have created an artificial sense of urgency to push the deal through.The lease, valued at approximately R69.

5 million, was awarded to All Top Properties for a vacant building at 146 Lunnon Road, intended to accommodate staff from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).According to investigators, the process was marked by multiple irregularities.

The report alleges that an earlier, properly approved arrangement to house IDAC at a Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) property in Brummeria failed due to missing ministerial approval.

It further suggests that the inability to secure this approval may have been intentional, effectively manufacturing an urgent need to secure alternative accommodation.This led to the substitution of a previously leased occupant, the now-defunct Department of Public Enterprises, with IDAC.Additional concerns were raised about the procurement process itself.

Bid Evaluation Committees reportedly recommended cancelling the tender due to non-responsive bidders, yet the National Bid Adjudication Committee proceeded to approve the award regardless.

Investigators also highlighted that the successful bidder allegedly failed to meet certain compliance requirements, including B-BBEE documentation, raising questions about adherence to National Treasury rules.

Although no payments have been made yet, as the lease only becomes active upon occupation, the report warns that the state may still face financial risk should legal disputes arise with the landlord.

Macpherson has expressed outrage at the findings, stating that an internal review is insufficient and that a full independent investigation is necessary to establish accountability for all officials involved in the process.The matter is now expected to be guided by National Treasury to ensure proper oversight and potential disciplinary action where warranted.