Netherlands Embassy Row: Madonsela Clarifies ANC Role as DA Criticizes Building Condition

Old Chancery Sparks Political Firestorm

South Africa’s diplomatic row over the Netherlands embassy has taken another twist, with Ambassador Vusi Madonsela pushing back against claims that the African National Congress (ANC) neglected the property. The debate erupted after Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chair Helen Zille took to social media, highlighting a media report that the embassy’s old Chancery building in The Hague had 30 broken windows and appeared in disrepair.

“How can any building end up with 30 broken windows unless there is malicious intent?” Zille tweeted, lambasting the ANC and questioning its ability to maintain public properties abroad.

Madonsela Sets the Record Straight

Madonsela told IOL the uproar was based on a misunderstanding. The building in question, he said, has been vacant since 2012, when staff moved out and a renovation project was terminated following a dispute with the then project manager over costs.

“The building being referred to is the old Chancery in The Hague, not the operational embassy. It has been unoccupied for over a decade,” he said.

According to Madonsela, the old Chancery is now being assessed for renovation and conversion into accommodation for transferred diplomatic staff from Pretoria. The process involves appointing a service provider and navigating heritage regulations, which complicates the renovation timeline.

“All windows will be replaced, and work is ongoing. This has nothing to do with the property where our embassy carries out daily operations, which is certainly not falling apart,” he added.

Political Ping-Pong

The disagreement quickly spilled onto social media, with ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and DA Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson trading accusations. Mbalula blamed Macpherson’s department for failing to maintain the property, while Macpherson countered that responsibility rested with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Observers say the spat reflects a broader political tendency in South Africa to weaponize administrative issues for party politics, often overlooking the nuances of bureaucratic processes, especially when heritage buildings are involved.

Heritage and Diplomacy

The old Chancery is a classified heritage building, meaning renovations must adhere to strict regulations and specifications. Madonsela stressed that the renovation and repurposing process is part of cost-cutting measures and long-term planning for South Africa’s diplomatic missions.

“It is unfortunate that the narrative created suggested neglect or decay of our embassy, when in fact this is a controlled and ongoing project,” he said.

Public Reaction

On social media, many South Africans expressed frustration at what they saw as politicians squabbling while public assets languish. Some argued that the uproar over 30 broken windows in a long-vacant building was symbolic of how party politics can overshadow practical governance issues.

“It’s frustrating that everything becomes a political football. Focus on the work being done, not just optics,” one user tweeted.

While the controversy continues to make headlines, the embassy row highlights the challenges of maintaining South African diplomatic properties abroad, balancing heritage regulations, fiscal responsibility, and public perception, all while political parties seize on every misstep for advantage.

{Source: IOL}

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