Transnet wants approximately R900 million for one of the properties.
Transnet bought Carlton Centre in 1999. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi
Cash-strapped Transnet is looking to sell 15 properties outside its core assets, including the historic Carlton Centre in Johannesburg, for a whopping R900 million.
The state-owned entity (SOE) published the notice in the government gazette on Monday.
This follows National Treasury’s rejection of direct bailouts for the state-owned logistics company, citing strict fiscal conditions for financial support facilities that required the entity to identify, divest, and dispose of non-core assets to restore financial sustainability.
State gets first dibs
According to the gazette, Transnet must give the state 30 days to express interest in buying or leasing the properties before opening the sale to the public.
“In accordance with applicable legislation and governance protocol, all national government departments, provincial government departments, municipalities, state-owned companies (SOCs), and other entities are afforded first right to express interest in acquiring or leasing the said properties.
“Interested parties are to forward their details to the Acting Director-General, Department of Transport, within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice,” reads the notice.
Inside Transnet’s 15 properties
The properties up for grabs span from vacant land to buildings. Four properties are up for sale in the Western Cape, including vacant land in Woodstock. The notice also lists four properties in the Eastern Cape, including the Mount Frere Shopping Centre.
Transnet is also looking to dispose of three properties in KwaZulu-Natal, including the Umlazi Mall Megacity and the Durban Station Precinct. The list includes the Avion Park Golf Course in Ekurhuleni, the Bloemfontein Golf Course and Club House in the Free State, and the Messina Superspar in Limpopo.
While the gazette does not include the costs of these properties, Business Day previously reported that Transnet is looking to cash in approximately R900 million from Carlton Centre. The building was once the state-owned logistics company’s headquarters.
