An unsightly 7km steel mesh fence around the Union Buildings in Pretoria has local residents up in arms, but the government believes security concerns should override aesthetic sensibilities. “The fence is part of the overall security upgrading at the Union Buildings, which is a national keypoint,” said Lucky Mochalibane, chief director of communications at the Department of Public Works. But the public is unhappy about the fence. “The fence is a ridiculous eyesore and a monstrosity,” said Mika de Villiers, a concerned resident. Others complained that they had not been consulted.