Alex Matlala
Alex Matlala
The Limpopo provincial government will spend between R30000 and R50000 each month for the upkeep of the state house that was vacated by former premier Sello Moloto.
Moloto was ordered to move out of the state house after he resigned as premier to join Cope.
The house was bought for R1,3million in 2004 as the official residence for Moloto, who has lived there with his family for nearly five years.
The double-storey house comprises five bedrooms, three living areas, a kitchen, a study, three garages, a lapa and a swimming pool. It is located at the peak of Dalmada Mountain on the road between Polokwane and Tzaneen.
Moloto moved out of the house last Thursday, two days before the Saturday deadline.
He also returned the state vehicle he used and released his bodyguards on Sunday afternoon.
When Moloto moved out, current premier Cassel Mathale was expected to move in but he declined to do so, saying he was comfortable at his palatial house in Sterk Park, a leafy suburb outside the city on the way to Modjadjiskloof.
His stance, however, has left the province appalled.
According to Sowetan sources, the house would be declared a guesthouse soon after the elections to accommodate heads of state and other dignitaries who visit the province, while an alternative official residence for the new premier would be made available.
Government spokesperson Mohale Nchabeleng said the government was going to decide on what the building was going to be used for so that it becomes functional at all times.
Nchabeleng said general maintenance of the house, such as cleaning and gardening, was going to cost the provincial goverment no less than R34000 a month, excluding security.
Moloto vacates state house, returns car
Alex Matlala
Alex Matlala
The Limpopo provincial government will spend between R30000 and R50000 each month for the upkeep of the state house that was vacated by former premier Sello Moloto.
Moloto was ordered to move out of the state house after he resigned as premier to join Cope.
The house was bought for R1,3million in 2004 as the official residence for Moloto, who has lived there with his family for nearly five years.
The double-storey house comprises five bedrooms, three living areas, a kitchen, a study, three garages, a lapa and a swimming pool. It is located at the peak of Dalmada Mountain on the road between Polokwane and Tzaneen.
Moloto moved out of the house last Thursday, two days before the Saturday deadline.
He also returned the state vehicle he used and released his bodyguards on Sunday afternoon.
When Moloto moved out, current premier Cassel Mathale was expected to move in but he declined to do so, saying he was comfortable at his palatial house in Sterk Park, a leafy suburb outside the city on the way to Modjadjiskloof.
His stance, however, has left the province appalled.
According to Sowetan sources, the house would be declared a guesthouse soon after the elections to accommodate heads of state and other dignitaries who visit the province, while an alternative official residence for the new premier would be made available.
Government spokesperson Mohale Nchabeleng said the government was going to decide on what the building was going to be used for so that it becomes functional at all times.
Nchabeleng said general maintenance of the house, such as cleaning and gardening, was going to cost the provincial goverment no less than R34000 a month, excluding security.