Kitchen upgrades, generators, R54k to replace curtain rail: R93m spent on ministerial homes

According to reports, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has spent around R93 million between 2019 and last year for the maintenance of official residences belonging to ministers, deputy ministers and directors-general.

Taxpayers foot bill for ministers’ homes

The transactions included about R1.4 million to upgrade a kitchen, R240 000 to get rid of cockroaches, R54 000 to replace a curtain rail and R50 million to make sure that ministers’ and their deputies’ generators are working during load shedding, according to a City Press report.

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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala reportedly disclosed this information in response to a parliamentary question asked by Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Leon Schreiber.

Municipal services

Zikalala revealed that government has spent approximately R22 million for municipal services for ministers and R29.4 million for the maintenance of 68 ministerial houses and apartments in Cape Town since 2019.

Around R21.4 million was spent for municipal services and nearly R19 million for the maintenance of 63 houses and flats in Pretoria. In total, R93.1 million was spent on both municipal services and the maintenance of these houses.

The biggest transactions, such as the installation of generators, ensuring fuel availability and device maintenance, amounted to approximately R50 million.

Despite each transaction being individually indicated, Zikalala has reportedly declined to disclose which officials reside in specific houses or apartments, citing “security sensitivities.”

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