The Democratic Alliance has threatened to refer the issue of an alleged R22-million presidential retirement house to the Public Protector if the facts reveal any wrongdoing.
DA spokesperson Sydney Opperman said on Thursday that according to Noseweek magazine, the public works department is building a presidential retirement house to the value of R22-million in Houghton, Johannesburg.
”If the report is true, there can be no argument that R22-million is excessive and appears to be yet further evidence that the African National Congress elite is out of touch and removed from the plight of ordinary South Africans,” he said.
If the Presidency or the department fails to clarify the matter, or the facts reveal this money is misappropriated and proper procedure not followed, the DA will have no option but to refer the issue to the Public Protector for an investigation.
”If it is true that the house is indeed being paid for by the South African taxpayer, it seems both massively excessive and, it appears, without precedent,” Opperman said.
President Thabo Mbeki’s spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said he was aware of the rumours and allegations doing the rounds, and the Presidency will ”put the matter into perspective” in a statement to be issued later.
Department of Public Works spokesperson Lucky Mochalibane could not offer immediate comment, as he was travelling between Cape Town and Pretoria, but undertook to look into the matter and respond later.
According to the article, ”the retirement home of President Thabo Mbeki” is nearing completion in Johannesburg’s Houghton Estate a few blocks from former president Nelson Mandela’s residence.
”The giant Victorian bathtub is in; half a dozen magnificent chandeliers are lying in the hallway, ready for hanging.
”The house’s special features are like something out of a James Bond movie. Next door to Mbeki’s first-floor office is the siege room, encased by steel shutters which drop down in the event of an attack.
”And, it is rumoured, in case things get too hot and evacuation is the only option, there’s to be a secret underground escape tunnel!
”Overseeing everything is the Department of Public Works, which indicates that the tab for the ‘small farmhouse’ will be picked up by the taxpayer.
”With an original budget of around R8-million, the cost has now soared to an estimated R22-million — and still rising. Hardly an expense Mbeki can be expected to meet from his meagre R1,1-million a year presidential salary,” Noseweek said. — Sapa