Ministers Damaged Government Properties: Public Outcry For Accountability
- The Department of Public Works uncovered that several outgoing ministers left government-issued properties in deplorable conditions.
- Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson found that among the 97 government-owned properties in Cape Town, many were damaged, with one minister even running a taxi business from their allocated unit.
- South Africans are demanding transparency and accountability, calling for the ministers responsible to be publicly exposed and held accountable for the damages incurred.
With nine years of experience under his belt, Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist for Briefly News, dives deep into the infrastructure challenges facing South Africa today. His insights have been featured on platforms like Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, offering valuable perspectives on the nation’s current affairs.
CAPE TOWN—The Department of Public Works has uncovered a startling revelation: former ministers left government-owned properties in a far worse condition than when they received them. The findings have sparked widespread outrage across the nation, with many citizens demanding action against those responsible.
Ex-Ministers Left Properties in Ruins
According to IOL, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson recently inspected several residences allocated to ministers and deputy ministers in Cape Town. His findings were alarming. Many of these homes, worth an estimated R830 million in Cape Town and R137 million in Tshwane, were found to be in a shocking state of disrepair. Some former occupants simply refused to vacate their premises after leaving office, while others left behind significant damage.
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The extent of the damage was staggering. Kitchen cabinets were ripped out, walls were defaced with graffiti, and in one particularly egregious case, a minister reportedly used their government property to run a taxi business. The Department of Public Works is now taking decisive action to recover these assets and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
Public Demands Accountability
The news has sent shockwaves through social media platforms, with users demanding transparency and accountability. Facebook users, in particular, are calling for the identities of the ministers involved to be revealed.
Mandla H. Ncayiyana expressed frustration, stating:
"Why aren’t we being told who these ministers are? This is our money at stake. Hopefully, a civil society group will take the state to court to compel them to reveal the identities of those involved."
Paul Mills echoed the sentiment, suggesting:
"Send them the bill for repairing the damage and restoring the properties to their original condition. It’s only fair."
William Deale added:
"Expose every single one of them. Name and shame them publicly."
Angie Poggenpoel chimed in, emphasizing the need for financial accountability:
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"This behavior is absolutely disgusting. Freeze their accounts immediately and ensure they either return the missing fixtures or pay for them."
Felicity Alcock reinforced the call for justice:
"The taxpayer should not be burdened with the cost of repairs. Those responsible must foot the bill themselves."
338 Buildings Taken Over Illegally
In a separate but related report, Briefly News revealed that Minister Macpherson disclosed a concerning statistic: out of 880 government-owned buildings, 338 have been illegally taken over. The situation highlights a broader issue within the country’s infrastructure management.
Macpherson acknowledged that many of these buildings may no longer serve their original purpose. However, he emphasized the need to find innovative ways to repurpose them for the benefit of South Africans. The challenge now lies in reclaiming these properties and ensuring they contribute positively to the nation’s development.
