John Steenhuisen of DA wants govt to get rid of luxurious ministerial residences

The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants the government to sell all ministerial villages and residences because they are a huge burden on taxpayers.

The opposition on Monday morning held a picket at the Bryntirion Estate in Pretoria where Cabinet members live.

According to the ministerial handbook, the estate does not get a load shed, and residents receive a fixed amount of free water and electricity from the government.

DA leader John Steenhuisen said the ministerial village had at least 15 tennis courts, a golf course, several swimming pools, and many other luxurious amenities.

He said the government spent billions every year in the upkeep of this village and other official residences.

“Government pays for the furniture, the cutlery, the maintenance of them and any upgrades to them, and a number of ministers have had several upgrades over the years. Braais added, new areas tiled etc, all at public expense.”

Steenhuisen said that his party already demonstrated its commitment to limit the perks afforded to government officials. He said that when Solly Msimanga was Tshwane mayor, he sold the mayoral mansion for R5.1 million in order to fund an RDP housing project.

-EWN

In other news – Andile Ncube speaks on rumours he’s dating MaMkhize

Last week, Mzansi media personality Andile Ncube left tongues wagging after posing suggestively with KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman and millionaire Shauwn “MaMkize” Mkhize. The pair sat down for an interview about MaMkhize’s soccer club Royal AM and afterwards decided to take some photos together.

The photos went viral as locals speculated whether the two may secretly be a couple. Heading online after the rumours turned into headlines, Andile shared that the rumours are just that – rumours. Learn More