Macpherson Orders National Audit of State Houses After Judge Refuses to Vacate

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered a national audit of all government residences following allegations that some may be illegally occupied.

The move comes after a Western Cape judge said he sees “no point” in vacating a state house.

The Controversy

Judge Daniel Thulare told the Sunday Times that he sees no reason to leave a state house in Kuils River, Cape Town, where he has been staying for several yearsbecause judges in the North West are also staying in state houses.

Rentals in that area are valued at between R20,000 and R30,000 per month.

He has been given until 15 April to vacate.

The Minister’s Response

Macpherson said the department has a responsibility to ensure that public property is managed strictly in accordance with the law.

“The department of Public Works & Infrastructure is the custodian of the state’s property portfolio and has a duty to ensure that public assets are used properly and in the interests of the people of South Africa.”

“However, recent incidents have demonstrated that stronger oversight is required to ensure that state residences are not unlawfully occupied or treated as private benefits.”

The Audit

The national audit will examine:

• The occupation status of all residential properties under DPWI management

• Whether occupants continue to qualify for the benefit under applicable policies and legal frameworks

• Properties allocated to qualifying beneficiaries, including members of the judiciary, government officials, and other public servants

• Properties that may be occupied without valid lease agreements

• Cases where occupants continue to reside in state housing despite no longer meeting qualifying criteria

“This national audit will allow the Department to establish a clear picture of the current status of all state-owned residential properties,” Macpherson said.

The Consequences

Where individuals are found occupying state property unlawfully or without entitlement, the department will:

• Issue notices to vacate

• Pursue legal action if compliance is not forthcoming

“Public assets exist to serve the people of South Africa and cannot be treated as private benefits. This audit forms part of our commitment to restore proper management across the state’s property portfolio and ensure that public property is protected and used for the public good.”

The Bottom Line

A judge who won’t leave. A minister who says that’s not acceptable. And a national audit that will check every state house, every occupant, and every lease.

The message is clear: public property is for the public goodnot private benefit. And if you’re staying in a state house you shouldn’t be in, you’ll soon be out.

{Source: Citizen}

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