Sale of land continues
People awaiting the outcome of an investigation into the sale of a portion of Huddle Park will have to wait longer.
The office of Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, has not concluded its investigation into the sale of Huddle Park. The anticipated date for finalisation of the public protector’s report was April 30.
Ms Kgalalelo Masibi, the spokesperson for the Public Protector, said Adv Madonsela is still waiting for a report from the South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SAPVP).
She said the investigator contacted SAPVP and they have appointed an independent valuer to ascertain if the person who evaluated the property for R40-million, conducted himself properly.
Ms Masibi said the valuator valued the land at R40-million and the municipality sold it for R46-million including vat and a facilitation fee. “The investigation on the matter is expected to be complete by August 31,” said Ms Masibi.
Huddle Investments (Pty) Limited, whose shareholders are Investec Property, Standard Bank Properties and Global Capital, purchased 53 of the total 180 hectares of Huddle Park from the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) in 2011.
The consortium proposed a development which includes houses, high-density developments and a shopping centre.
Friends of Huddle Park approached the public protector’s office to investigate the sale of the land. Members of the public believe the sale involved corruption.
