The government must let the public know exactly what perks presidents are entitled to when they retire, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Friday.
This was after reports that the government was funding a R22-million retirement mansion in Houghton for President Thabo Mbeki.
”I think the government should be responsible for security arrangements only,” said DA chief whip Douglas Gibson.
Motheo group construction executive Gavin Munro said the company has a contract worth R7,9-million with a Ms Dlamini, otherwise known as First Lady Zanele Mbeki.
He did not know the cost of the land or the size of the erf, located in a panhandle in North Road.
Workers started paving the driveway on Friday.
Flanked by high white walls topped with electric fencing, the driveway has a guard house with bullet proof glass between two sets of black wrought-iron gates. Munro and guards prevented the reporters and DA representatives from entering the premises.
Munro said construction began in the middle of last year and is expected to be finished this month.
He said it is a three-bedroom house, each bedroom with its own bathroom. There is at least one wrought-iron chandelier.
”The level of security is the same as that of a diplomatic residence,” said Munro. He said there is no secret tunnel.
”I wish there was a secret tunnel; I’d escape,” he added. Munro said only that the house is ”a substantial square meterage”.
It has a lounge and entertainment area, a dining room, a kitchen fitted with melamine cupboards and granite tops and servants’ quarters.
There is a small chairlift for someone on a wheelchair to reach the upstairs bedroom. The L-shaped house has a double garage.
”One lady called it African eclectic,” said Munro. He said the thatched roof house is fitted throughout with tiles and parquet flooring. All fittings were of brass, ”just like you would have in your house”.
There is no gold. ”Mrs Mbeki doesn’t like shiny things,” he said. The house was painted white outside and ”broken white” inside.
Munro said Mrs Mbeki had not started interior decorating. The house has a small plunge swimming pool.
He said there is a hip bath and not a grand Victorian bath, as Noseweek magazine had reported.
There is a dressing room next to the bathroom. As far as the opulence of other homes in the area is concerned, Munro described the Mbeki house as ”very mediocre”.
”It’s very modest. Mrs Mbeki is a very modest person.” — Sapa