Johannesburg: The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has confirmed the South Gauteng Deeds Office is open and operational, countering recent media claims about its closure.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department clarified that despite ongoing infrastructure challenges, such as dysfunctional lifts and poor lighting, services to the public and clients are continuing without interruption. The department previously acknowledged these Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues and mentioned that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is working to secure a suitable new building. However, it was incorrectly reported that services have been compromised.
The department noted that the current delays are in the data capturing process post-registration. Despite this, performance targets are not only being met but exceeded. The office achieved a 97% success rate in making deeds and documents available within seven days from lodgment, surpassing the 95% target. Additionally, while the target was to deliver 95% of deeds within ten days of registration, the office delivered 99% in 32 days, with the backlog attributed to OHS challenges.
To mitigate these issues, interim alternative working arrangements have been implemented to maintain business continuity, and additional measures are in place to address the data capturing backlog. The department reassures the public and clients that the South Gauteng Deeds Office remains fully operational.