Justin Arenstein
PROVINCIAL ministers and political office bearers in Mpumalanga allegedly used R1,3- million from a low-cost housing budget to renovate their state houses, including the construction of a swimming pool and lapa.
The expenditure, which was severely criticised in a confidential government report more than a yar ago, was allegedly made without Cabinet or treasury authorisation and was instead debited from a R19-million former KaNgwane low- cost housing budget.
The special report, commissioned by Premier Mathews Phosa and authored by director of expenditure Huffy Pott, also branded the allocation of state houses as subject to widespread nepotism, favouritism, and political privilege.
Huff warned that if the information were leaked to the press, both the provincial Cabinet and government would be “greatly embarrassed.”