THE government plans to spend R2,6 million on rennovating and repairing Genadendal, President Thabo Mbeki’s official residence in Rondebosch, Cape Town, the Sunday Times newspaper reported on Sunday. It quoted Sivi Gounden, the acting director-general of the department of public works and administration, as saying the work will be put out to tender in two weeks, and will involve revamping the house’s interior and upgrading its security. The report follows the disclosure last week that Mbeki’s official residence in Pretoria, Mahlambandlovu, is to have a R5-million facelift. Public Works Minister Stella Sigcau has defended the expenditure, saying the historic buildings were badly run down, but opposition political parties have criticised it, saying the government has more pressing spending priorities.