Fidelity snaps up Bosasa headquarters

African Global Operations’ headquarters was auctioned for R14m on Thursday.

The company, formerly known as Bosasa, is based in Krugersdorp and the property boasts large, green manicured lawns with several buildings, including a restaurant, canteen, warehouse and offices.

The property was bought by security service provider Fidelity.

Fidelity CEO Wahl Bartmann spoke to TimesLIVE on the sidelines of the auction.

“We have huge facilities we can use for the accommodation of our staff,” he said.

“There is a lot of office space and a lot of our businesses and admin people will be moving to the area as soon as possible.”

Baartman said he expected to spend much more than R14m on the property.

Fidelity was not deterred by the history of the property under Bosasa — which had been tainted by allegations of fraud and corruption related to government tenders.

Another property that went under the hammer on Thursday houses the Lindela Repatriation Centre and youth development centres.

Lindela houses undocumented migrants pending their deportation.

The property it lies on was auctioned for R60m after a fierce and competitive bidding process that started at R30m.

The auctioneer said there were two leases on the property, totalling about R1m a month, that were due to expire at the end of October 2020.

“I need to make you aware of the fact that [with] the department of public works and infrastructure, there is a confirmation period of 14 days,” the auctioneer clarified before bidding started.

“They are having the first right of refusal in this confirmation period so please bear that in mind. They are here at the auction today,” he said.

This effectively means public works has 14 days to decide if they want to purchase the property instead.