Firefighters are still working to control the Botha Sigcau building fire in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The blaze started Tuesday evening and has damaged most of the 11-story historic building. Nine government departments inside it now face major service disruptions. This matters now because it affects provincial operations in a key heritage site. Assessments are underway to check the full impact.
The fire began on Tuesday evening. It quickly spread through the structure. Firefighters continue to battle the flames.
Ten of the 11 floors are completely gutted. Only parts of the first floor show damage. King Sabata Dalindyebo District Municipality spokesperson Olwethu Mabovula said, “As you can see behind you that there’s nothing left of this building. So, in terms of the extent of the damage inside, there’s nothing, according to what we see.”
The Botha Sigcau building is named after the late Amapondo king Botha Sigcau. It serves as a heritage site. Nine government departments operate from there.
Reports note service disruptions across Eastern Cape government functions. Prior coverage highlighted the building’s role in daily operations.
These disruptions hit provincial services hard. Eastern Cape government operations face immediate challenges.
The heritage status adds long-term concerns. Reports indicate services are disrupted now. Future operations remain unknown.
Provincial government executives plan a visit on Wednesday. They will assess the damage.
Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Siphokazi Lusithi will lead a full review. The building belongs to her department. This follows plans from the EC Public Works Department.
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