LOOK: Outgoing ministers leave allocated homes in "dreadful state"
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure found some of the homes allocated to ministers in a "dreadful state", with one even used to run a taxi business.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, recently revealed that several former ministers' homes were found in a disgusting or derelict state.
Macpherson, who was recently appointed minister, said the ministers left their properties in the Prestige Unit in a dreadful state after finishing their tenure.
According to the ministry spokesperson, James de Villiers, South Africa owns 97 state homes within its Prestige Unit.
These properties are valued at around R830-million in Cape Town and R137-million in Pretoria.
READ: SA shocked after discovering Cher's cover of iconic 'Click Song'
According to IOL, the ministry found the properties in a foul state, and some former and deputy ministers refused to vacate these properties.
Once the ministry could access these homes, they discovered the dreadful state they were left in.
Some of the frightful sights included removed kitchen cabinets, taken or damaged carpets, and graffiti on the walls.
"In one instance, a taxi business was being run from a property," De Villiers said.
"It's important that we treat these leases in the same way as someone in a private sector lease would be treated, which includes incoming and outgoing inspections," De Villiers said.
WATCH: Passengers trapped after Paarl train derails
"The minister has similarly taken action to reform the governance of the Prestige Unit by ensuring that the Director General has direct oversight over its activities, and he has removed the delegations which empowered State officials to spend up to R20-million without accounting officer approval," De Villiers explained.
"The minister would like to introduce a culture of pride in the assets of the State, and, therefore, where people have taken State property, the department will ensure that they are criminally charged and that the items are recovered," he added.
De Villiers stated that the department is currently in discussions with the non-returning members, seeking the return of assets that were allegedly taken or for them to provide an explanation or cover the costs of any damages incurred.
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', on weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
IMAGE: Instagram/ Screenshot