The opening of the African National Congress’s (ANC) swanky new provincial office in Polokwane on Friday highlighted the complex relationship between the party and the businesspeople who keep it afloat.
The R40-million provincial office on a 2Â 000-square-metre plot in the heart of Polokwane is officially called the Frans Mohlala House, but some already refer to it as the second Luthuli House, to show how powerful the province is.
It is situated opposite a popular local watering hold called the Raging Bull.
The opening was attended by ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula and, to add a touch of glamour to the event, recently crowned Miss South Africa Bokang Montjane graced the VIP seats.
President Jacob Zuma congratulated the provincial leadership on its decision to build the provincial office despite the lack of funds it had for the project.
“They never asked, like we do in government, is there a budget for this? If they did that this building would never have been built.”
Both Zuma and provincial chairperson Cassel Mathale made a big hoo-ha of the role that businesspeople played to get the building off the ground.
They heaped praise on the businesspeople who generously donated money and expertise, with Mathale explaining how a local architect joined hands with a team of quantity surveyors to advise the ANC on how to get the project started in 2005.
New headquarters?
Mathale reminded the 300-strong crowd, consisting mostly of men in designer suits and women with Louis Vuitton handbags, that you can’t progress without the ANC.
He explained to the audience how different aspects of the building were handled by people from different race groups.
“The lighting was done by an Indian comrade, the tiling in the kitchen and bathroom by a coloured comrade and the fire alarm is managed by an Afrikaner woman, who asked me where you can get an ANC membership card.”
Zuma hinted that businesspeople should fund a new ANC headquarters in Johannesburg. Luthuli House was recently refurbished, but Zuma feels the ANC needs a new building and not “one which we just found there”.
“Business people must say to the treasurer general [Mathews Phosa]: Here is my chequebook, take only one leaf from it. Write any amount you like, but it mustn’t be more than six figures. And in just one round we will be able to build a new national office.”
Zuma told the audience how national chairperson Baleka Mbete showed her envy for the new building.
“[She] said that if you see the premier’s office you want to take your own office [in Luthuli House] and give that to your PA,” Zuma said to screeches of laughter.
The three-storey building consists of various offices that have been furnished with desks made of oak and leather chairs.
Mathale said the building’s foundation is strong enough to hold a seven-storey structure, so later generations may add to it.
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