Today, the Tshwane Council voted to sell the Mayoral Mansion in order to use the proceeds to provide other basic municipal services including building houses for our people who need access to decent housing. This is despite the ANC’s attempts to slow down proceedings.
While the motion to sell the property was delayed due to August’s council being inquorate, we are pleased that Council’s decision will advance the process to get rid of the mansion which we have long believed is unnecessary. As such the Executive Mayor will host the first open house in due course.
While the previous ANC administration spent R12 million to “renovate” the house, the latest valuation on the property indicates that the property can be sold for a minimum amount of R5 million. Further, despite the exorbitant amount spent on the renovations, the valuators have uncovered defects including surface cracks on exterior and interior walls and clear evidence that the money meant to enhance the house went to the pockets of the few.
Fast facts about the Mayoral Mansion:
- The proposed sale of the property is pursuant to section 14(2) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
- property was previously used as a Mayoral residential house.
- The City enlisted the services of Spectrum Valuations (Pty) Ltd to determine the current market value of the subject property.
- Single residential dwelling accommodating a total of 5 bedrooms, 2 ensuite bathrooms, 2 additional full bathrooms providing two separate guest toilets, entrance foyer, dining room, lounge, TV room, family room, scullery, pantry and a fully fitted kitchen with built in cupboards throughout. There is a study on the ground floor and two outside staff rooms.
The Msimanga administration is making progress to better the lives of our people.