The wife of a senior Cabinet minister is demanding a large divorce settlement, including a house worth at least R70 million, The Star reported on Friday.

The couple, who cannot be named because of South Africa's laws regarding divorce, are seeking a divorce in the High Court in Johannesburg.

In an affidavit, the woman says: "There have been problems in the marriage which the parties have been unable to resolve, including but not limited to [the minister] having subjected [me] to physical, verbal, mental, emotional abuse and cruelty."

The couple had been married for 20 years.

In addition to the house, the woman wanted R3 million to furnish it, payment of rates, taxes, electricity and associated bills, and monthly maintenance of R50,000 for each of their two adult children.

The minister, who earned R1.8 million per year, in addition to having considerable business interests, should also supply her with a car worth at least R1 million every five years.

She further wanted him to pay any medical expenses for her and their children.

Judge Ramarumo Monama asked the woman to supply more details about her demands by February 18.