IEC finds own home, saves on massive rentals

By Neo Kolane

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is now able to save on massive on rentals after it moved its headquarters to new premises two weeks ago.

The electoral body relocated to the newly-acquired premises at Maseru West, from Matekane Group of Companies (MGC) Park which is owned by prime minister Sam Matekane, where it had been paying M833 000 monthly in rent.

This means IEC will now save close to M10 million per annum in rentals.

In an interview with theReporter last week, IEC public relations assistant Lesole Mohlomi revealed that the commission now owns the M75 million building after purchasing it from real estate company, HomeStead Holdings.

Mohlomi said the move means they are saving government money because IEC has bought the building and is not renting it.

“This means the money that was meant to pay for rent will be used for other programmes and activities,” he noted.

Mohlomi explained that the move was not only influenced by the fact that they were working at MGC Park, which raised ethical questions and bordered on conflict of interest since the building is owned by Matekane.

“The need to move was accelerated by a question that was raised in Parliament regarding our tenancy the MGC Park.

“However, it has always been IEC’s goal to own its building,” Mohlomi said.

He added that things will fall into place as IEC will not be distracted by fellow tenants or constantly worry about eviction.

IEC acquired the building after months of hunting for a place that is not owned by a politician.

Mohlomi explained that it was only last year when they found the building and immediately started talks with the owner.

The IEC was in 2020 rumoured to be broke and on the brink of being evicted by MGC Park offices for failing to pay rent.

The commission was reportedly struggling under the weight of unpaid bills. Ninety percent of all its bills for petrol, monthly office rental, electricity, water, security and internet services had not been paid.
Retired employees had not been paid and had lost patience to the extent that they were exposing the IEC on different media platforms.

Vacant positions had also not been filled up, including that of the director of elections and commissioners.