Taxpayers foot R10.3m bill for ministerial residences, R143 000 for curtains

TAXPAYERS have footed a bill of R10.3 million for the maintenance of ministerial residences since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) after the elections last year.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This figure, revealed by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson in response to parliamentary questions, includes R143 000 allocated for the replacement of curtains at one of the residences.

The inquiry was sparked by MK Party MP Visvin Reddy, who sought a detailed breakdown of expenses related to maintenance projects such as kitchen refurbishments, pest control, curtain installations, and generator servicing at ministerial residences in Bryntirion Estate, Pretoria, and Groote Schuur Estate, Cape Town, since April 2024.

According to Macpherson's findings, a total of R7.3m was spent on maintenance in Cape Town, while R3.5m was allocated to the Pretoria residences. Notably, the minister confirmed there were no kitchen upgrades or pest control services rendered at Bryntirion Estate.