THERE'S A MASSIVE DELAY AT JOHANNESBURG DEEDS OFFICE

Although it’s open, the Johannesburg Deeds office is running far from full capacity. This was confirmed by Karla Strydom, a member of the Johannesburg Attorneys Association’s (JAA) property committee.

Rumours have been circulating that the office has been closed after staff were evacuated from the office located inside Marble Towers on 24 February. The reason for the evacuation was that the staff had protested due to the unsafe state of the building.

Between that date and 6 March, no lodgments were accepted at the office. But, on 7 March, lodgings were again accepted with only a handful of staff choosing to go back, as others feared for their safety.

IOL reports that those who went back were overburdened, and due to safety issues, they could only work in certain areas within the office.

Some staff members have been permitted to work from home, with examiners moving files between their homes and the office daily.

The Deeds Office falls under the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. A spokesperson for the department, Linda Page, said the department isn’t sure when the Deeds Office will relocate.

“We’re still awaiting a decision by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.”

Earlier this year, the department said the office relocation is planned for around September.

Image credit: Property Professional