We don't want dictator's son, says Clifton

Published Jun 24, 2004

Share

By Henri du Plessis and Gert-Jaap Hoekman

The son of Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has bought a bungalow in Clifton.

Clifton Fourth Beach is described as a calm and friendly neighbourhood, but some residents believe this could all change when 34-year-old Teodoro Nguema Obiang (known as Teodorin), son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, moves in.

Obiang, who is the minister of forestry in his home country, bought 76 Fourth Beach for R23.5-million. The house is regarded as one of the best spots in the city.

Residents of the up-market area had mixed reactions to the news.

"It sickens me," said Joan Brown, a secretary in the area. "The money which he uses to buy this house is gained by letting his own people suffer."

President Nguema, who came to power after a coup in 1979, is often criticised by human rights groups for alleged human rights abuses in his country.

Brown said she understood why people came to Cape Town, but thought that the African National Congress government shouldn't welcome everybody in the city.

"We don't want Robert Mugabe's son to go to school here and we don't want his finance minister to buy a house here either."

Residents of Clifton Fourth Beach said they were worried about safety and security when a son of a dictator moves in.

"Someone might throw petrol bombs," said Brown.

Wendy Fredman hopes Teodorin will not actually live in the house.

"I hope it's just about spending money and not so much about spending time here," she said. "I really don't want him as my neighbour."

Her neighbour Mill Fine wasn't necessarily worried about the new residents.

"I am not against anyone living here," she said. "I just hope he doesn't bring a lot of bodyguards and change the atmosphere."

Estate agent Denise Dogon refused to comment on the sale except to say that all her transactions were above board and met the requirements set by the Financial Intelligence Act.

She also said she had a confidentiality agreement with all her clients.

The Democratic Alliance's Joe Seremane said the debate around the issue of foreign investment in property in this country continued.

"There should not be any limits on foreign investment in South Africa, including investment in property, and if the constitution allows for a free market, that is how it should be," he said.

Related Topics: