Gauteng Nkandla Lite Mmemezi Wall cost publicR759 000

The Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing splurged R759 000 on alterations at controversial former MEC Humphrey Mmemezi's house as part of a so called security upgrade.

This was revealed today by his successor Gauteng Local Government and Housing MEC Ntombi Mekgwe in reply to my oral question. Video footage of the question and answer is available below.

The MEC indicated that the cost will not be recovered because it is part of the standard benefits MECs are entitled to if they choose to make use of it. She also indicated that there was no wrong-doing in the matter despite the Auditor-General's opinion on the matter. The MEC also back-tracked on disciplinary action when probed on on-going investigations into the matter.

I asked the question following a presentation made by the Head of Department Mongezi Mnyani to the portfolio committee on the expenditure.

The Auditor General found that the construction of a wall and security systems as part of a security upgrade Mmemezi's private home from Gauteng public funds did not occur within the supply chain guidelines of Government.

The upgrade included the construction of a "wall around the house, electric fence, automated gates, CCTV cameras, intercom alarm system, guardhouse, shatterproof on windows".

This amount could have provided 10 families with RDP houses.

Self-enrichment by abusing public money is becoming trend among high-ranking ANC office bearers who use public resources on their private properties. This is happening while the province has serious service delivery challenges due to rapid growth in its population.

MECs have a choice to accept or reject such perks. They, and other politicians, should set the example when spending public money. Politicians should act as the custodians of citizens' hard earned tax money and should not become the plunderers of the fiscus.

I also call on the Premier to recommit her government to austerity on perks for politicians and to fire any member of her executive that engages in the abuse of state funds.

Fred Nel MPL is DA Gauteng Local Government Spokesperson, November 20 2012

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