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The electricity to Saratoga Gardens in Berea, Joburg, where President Jacob Zuma and his ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, own two flats, was cut off two weeks ago. Photo: Mujahid Safodien
President Jacob Zuma and his former wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, owe their body corporate R120 000 for electricity, water and rates for two flats they own in a building in Saratoga Avenue in Berea, Joburg.
And, because the entire building where his units are situated is in arrears of R1.8 million for their municipal services, the electricity to Saratoga Gardens was cut off two weeks ago.
It appears that the president has either not been informed of the arrears, or has forgotten that he owns the two units on the fifth floor, where he and his son once lived.
The building was hijacked seven years ago by some of the sectional title unit owners, who formed a committee and persuaded tenants and other owners to pay the levy money over to them, claiming they would do maintenance work on the building. This never happened, and they did not pay the building’s municipal bills. This was reported to the Scorpions, and the main perpetrator was arrested and deported to Zimbabwe.
The owners reclaimed their units – but not Zuma.
A person by the name of Lucky, who is apparently disabled and in a wheelchair, carried on collecting the rent for Zuma’s two units.
About four months ago, unit owners applied to have the building placed under administration because of the escalating debt to the council.
The tenants in Zuma’s two units have just been persuaded to pay their rent over to the administrators, and said they would start doing so from this month.
One tenant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the flat is partitioned off into small sections that are all rented out.
“We have nine people living in the flat, but from next month we will not be paying Lucky any more, but the managers of the building,” she said.
An attorney acting on behalf of Zuma, Julia Mohammed, who was collecting the rent for him, said although the president and his former wife, as owners, were responsible for the levies, there was an agreement with tenants in both units that they would pay the levies to the managing agent at the time. She claimed to know nothing about Lucky.
“I did not know about these arrears and I am sure Mr Zuma is not aware of this debt. But I will find out, and once he becomes aware of it, I am sure he will settle it,” she said.
The Zumas purchased the two units in 1993 for R80 000 each.
The president’s spokesman, Mac Maharaj, said the flats in question “have been on lease to people not related to the president for more than five years. The president is very concerned about this development and will attend to it urgently,” he said.
Dlamini-Zuma’s spokesman, Clayson Monyela, did not respond to an e-mail for comment.
In the meantime, Saratoga Gardens residents’ greatest fear is that they will have to celebrate Christmas in the dark.
One resident said it was unfair that they were being punished, even though their rent and electricity accounts were up to date.
“Why are they making our lives so difficult when we are paying?” he asked. - The Star
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Ingy, wrote
So sad while he lives in the lap of luxury and stealing daily from the govt (our tax payers money) Because of him these people will most probably now be all evicted. Surely if you own property you would remember and make sure all the levies etc are up to date. EISH!!!! Typical cant remember this so how can he remember one day until the next running the country.
It's "The Media" not me, wrote
You see. This is why we need a Secrecy Bill. Now Zuma is going to have to pay up. What a ruddy nuisance. As Prez, he should get away with this stuff.
Get Real, wrote
He can't even take care of his own affairs, how can he take care of a nation? It is basic stewardship 101.
Sean Hearn, wrote
@patricia, @AZOZ I agree with Patricia. the fact that the Zuma's haven't been receiving income from these properties in no way exempts JZ from declaring them as an asset.
Anonymous, wrote
@azoz, my sentiments exactly, your comment about retarded people is very correct, so get off and don't come back moron!
Patricia, wrote
@Azoz - firstly how the hell did you interpret my comment as being racist?? What part of it even suggested racism?? Obviously in your own head! Secondly - it is required - in law - that all government officials, parliamentarians etc. declare all their assests - and that includes properties - even if they are not the recipients of any income from those properties - geez, talk about dumb! "these people stole from the Zumas as they do to everyone who owns a building in the CBD" now there's a racist remark if ever I saw one!! That's like the pot calling the kettle black - oh, sorry I suppose that's also racist? Oh - and check your grammer - somewhat shabby!
Tshepo, wrote
Tumi, wrote
The president should be listed on ITC and removed from the presidency. Start leading by example Jigga man.
james, wrote
Now lets not be too hard on our great leader. He was doing his best to alleviate the housing shortage by donating these units for use by the disadvantaged unwashed masses. Now the press turns his good deed into a stick to beat him with. People, where is your faith in the man's good intentions?
eish, wrote
Realist, wrote
Typical, he cant even run his own affairs how can he run an important thing like the country?? remember his house in Durban where one of his many wives lives also had the services cut off a few years ago.
azoz, wrote
@Patricia you are really racist and dumb. it is clear on this article that they never got the income from these as Lucky was taking money for himself. now what is there to declare where does breaking the law come in here. you're like the media you make something out of nothing. These people stole from the Zumas as they do to everybody who own a building in Jozi CBD. Some retarded people should not comment here because they just see Zuma and start typing.
Jimbo, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
i wonder how many people out there who are owing rates, media come on dont you have anything to say.
paul prinsloo, wrote
Oh goodness, if "they" can ocupy the Zumas'property and take the money for themselves, what chance does the ordinary citizen have when it comes to ownership protection?
Patricia, wrote
If our ditzy President and his equally ditzy ex-wife 'forgot' they owned two income generating properties, does that mean they both also 'forgot' to declare this income and properties to parliament - as is required of them by law??!! How do they all continue to get away with breaking the law??
Situation, wrote
sometimes you wonder wherther people read the article before commenting!! read the article first and then you will see how dumb you all are, nxe!?
nix, wrote
@annoz - "Two flats he completely forgot he owned" - really? How much property does he own that he can't remember them ALL? Stupid response.
Anonymous, wrote
Being who they are the other flat owners should feel priviledged to have such esteemed neighbours, and as a gesture of good neighbourliness should all club together and foot the bill for the outstanding rates. Isn't it amazing that a man who is trusted to run our country can't be aware of his rates bill? Shame, poor man, is he aware of the fact that the president of any country should have NO police record, a clear conscience and the interests of his fellow human beings at heart?
Annoz, wrote
@Tom yes if you've got countless houses you live in and also state house for the president. You'll surely forget especially if you paid R80000 for it in 1993.
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