The ministers and deputy ministers who left the homes that they were given during their tenure in a “dreadful state” may face jail time, according to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Image: IOL
(The Post News)- The department of public works and infrastructure, stated that the former ministers and deputy ministers of South Africa, may face jail time. Those who have defaced their houses both in Cape Town and Pretoria.
It is the country’s constitution that every time when a minister and deputy ministers are elected in the country, they are provided with many benefits, which includes housing, as part of their compensation package, it outlines the responsibilities and privileges of cabinet members. South Africa owns 97 state homes with its Prestige unit, valued at around R830 Million in Cape Town and R137 Million in Pretoria.
Former public officials who trashed or vandalised their state-provided homes, and in some cases, stole items from the properties, are now facing a deadline to make things right or risk facing criminal charges. Essentially, they’re being told to clean up the mess they made and return any stolen items within a set time limit, or they’ll be held accountable by law.
Minister Dean MacPhenson stated that he faced a problem when he found some properties in the prestige unit in a bad and disgusting state with some former ministers and deputy ministers refusing to vacate their properties.The ministry reported damages to state homes, including the removal of kitchen cabinets, carpet theft or damage and graffiti vandalism.
Macpherson is taking a strong stance against former public servants who have damaged or stolen from state properties. According to De Villiers, the minister aims to foster a culture of pride in state assets and will take legal action to ensure accountability. This means that those who have taken items or caused damage will face criminal charges and be required to return stolen items.
The department is sending a clear message that misuse of state property won’t be tolerated. The goal is to promote a sense of responsibility and respect for public assets. By taking action, Macpherson and De Villiers are working to maintain the integrity of the state’s resources.
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