Since 2019, the Ministry of Public Works has been purchasing and installing alternative electrical systems in the homes of ministers and their deputies, at a cost of R7.04 million for South Africa.
According to the Sunday Times, this has mainly happened in affluent suburbs of Pretoria, where generators, solar systems and inverters have been installed.
Following questions from DA MP Leon Schreiber, newly appointed Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala revealed this information, stating that South Africans had every reason to be outraged.
“Yes, that’s a point. It’s a valid one. It must be considered; we all need to make sure we conserve all resources,” Zikalala said.
“It is a cry that should be noted, especially in the current situation; it is a cry that we must not trivialize.”
Zikalala further said that the public works department will issue a new government statement on the issue in the coming days.
In addition, Eskom’s new power minister, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has a history of excessive spending at state houses.
His mayoral home in Tshwane was renovated at a cost of R12 million during his tenure as mayor from 2010 to 2016.
Former Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga claims the R12 million was wasted on shady renovations, and despite the lavish makeover, the house sold in November 2017 for just R5.1 million.
Skeletons of the Minister of Electricity
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity
Ramokgopa was previously embroiled in controversy due to a controversial multi-billion Rand purchase issued to a company called PEU Capital Partners.
PEU was initially appointed as a consultant but soon became a service company contracted to install smart meters in Tshwane.
Due to irregularities in the transaction, it was legally challenged and eventually overturned by the North Gauteng High Court.
According to Sakeliga, R630 million has still been paid to PEU for services rendered, and this debt has yet to be settled.
According to Sakeliga, Ramokgopa initially pushed through with the PEU pact despite warnings from opposing parties and his own party’s leaders.
“Ramokgopa left his office as mayor amid an additional R2 billion in debt to the municipality due to an illegal electricity meter installation and maintenance agreement he had signed,” Sakeliga said.