Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile was building an ultra-modern house costing more than R600 000 after having demolished his modest home in his home-town of Alice.
Stofile’s big spend will give him arguably the most expensive and ultra modern home in the town, situated about 60 km from Bisho. When approached by the media on Tuesday for comment about the new house, the premier refused to say anything.
”That is my private house which I built with my money and demolished because I wanted to build another one,” he said, before putting the telephone down. He then instructed relatives to remove the journalists from the Eastern Cape newspaper, Daily Dispatch, from his property.
The ”bulldoze, then build” trend often seen in the country’s most exclusive suburbs has had tongues wagging in the poverty stricken town. However, estate agents have applauded the premier for his bold move of investing in the region. ”This is definitely good news for property prices in Alice,” said a Pam Golding Properties agent.
”The moment someone demolishes an old house and replaces it with a new one, especially in old established areas, it definitely lifts property values in that area. And it definitely shows that person’s confidence and commitment to that area.”
Border-Kei Chamber of Business executive director Les Holbrook said he strongly believed that Stofile had ”prudent economic insight into the future of the region”.
Holbrook said: ”The man has worked and lived in Alice and probably foresees a financially stable future for Alice.”
Stofile’s new residence will feature a large main en-suite bedroom, next to two smaller bedrooms. The face-brick house will also have a double garage, a family room, a dining room, a scullery and a store room. A large veranda will overlook the jagged gravel road running alongside the property. Contracted builder Roderick Carelse — who quoted the premier R675 000 to build the house — said he expected to complete construction on the site by November 31.
”This house will be bigger than the original one,” he confirmed. Stofile (58) and his wife, Nambita (49) presently live in the premier’s official residence in King William’s Town.
Media reports in September last year said the former ANC treasurer-general and Chief Whip of Parliament earns around R600 000 a year from the provincial government while his wife was the director of at least two companies which had lucrative contracts with provincial government departments. After a five-year reign as premier, Stofile recently announced his intention to quit his position at the end of his term in 2004. Last month’s announcement comes after months of wrangling between the province’s senior politicians who have accused the premier of failing to govern. – Sapa