Solly Msimanga, the Tshwane mayor, is selling his R5 million mayoral home and is using the funds to build 40 new homes for the homeless.
As South Africans, we collectively rejoice when we hear about stories like this. On a daily basis, we are bombarded with stories about corrupt politicians always taking and never giving. This, however, doesn’t apply to every politician!
Solly Msimanga, the Tshwane mayor, has proven he is a cut above most. He recently announced that he was putting his mayoral residence up for sale. The sale is set to benefit the homeless and the funds are being used to build at least 40 new houses.
According to Times Live, the master bedroom is bigger than a small township home. The house is filled with new and expensive furniture which will also be going on auction to further raise funds for the project.
“I am happy to announce that the City will officially be selling the Mayoral Mansion which we have long believed is unnecessary and can free up funds to embark on other meaningful projects and programmes for the people of Tshwane who, as I have long asserted, are our true VIPs.” – Solly Msimanga, Executive Mayor
The home has remained unused by the Mayor and was approved for sale by members of the DA. The home has been a sore point for many as Kgosientso Ramokgopa spent millions in public funds renovating the home but never stayed in it. This is was one of the reasons Solly decided to sell it.
“It doesn’t serve any purpose now. I’ve never even had a meeting or slept here. I am told my predecessor also did not stay here.”
“We are hoping to build at least 40 houses.”, it is “a way of ensuring that the people benefit from the money that is theirs”.
The mayor even advertised the open house on his Twitter to entice and encourage potential buyers to go view the house.
Don't miss today's open house @SollyMsimanga @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/N1v3q5CAbB
— Solly Msimanga (@SollyMsimanga) October 22, 2017
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