By Thapelo Molefe
A fire tore through the historic 11-storey Botha Sigcau Building in central Mthatha on Tuesday night, disrupting government services and prompting an urgent damage assessment by Eastern Cape authorities on Wednesday.
The blaze broke out at about 7pm on Tuesday at the government complex situated between Leeds and York roads. Emergency services responded, and firefighters remained on site on Wednesday, attending to flare-ups after most parts of the building were destroyed.
Eastern Cape MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements Siphokazi Lusithi said government was “deeply concerned” about the incident and confirmed that officials from her department were assessing the situation.
The building houses several government departments, including transport, social development and health, among others.
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“Government wishes to assure the community that every effort is being made to minimise any disruption to service delivery,” Lusithi said. She was expected to visit the scene on Wednesday as investigations continued.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Police said investigators were still gathering information.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said he had spoken to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and offered national support.
“We will work with authorities to understand why this fire took place and assist with emergency accommodation for affected departments,” he said on social media platform X.
The Botha Sigcau Building is regarded as a major provincial government asset and one of Mthatha’s tallest buildings.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo area municipality and other authorities praised emergency responders and members of the public who raised the alarm.
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“In the face of uncertainty, what stands out most is the swift coming together of community and emergency services,” the OR Tambo District Municipality said in a statement.
Just a day before the fire, the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape warned that several government offices fail to meet basic health and safety standards, citing fire risks, structural damage and security concerns.
Authorities said further updates on temporary service arrangements and the extent of the damage will be communicated as more information becomes available.