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Government rejects suggestions that renovations to official residences and offices of the President of the Republic of South Africa are an extravagance or that they compromise social delivery.

Government is clear about the priorities facing the nation and invests appropriately in these priorities – with public works (the basis of a major job-creation drive), health and education together accounting for 70 percent of the national Budget.

The work to be undertaken on a range of official properties will be done in the same way that government attends to other programmes.

This work is being done within our means and at properties – inherited by the democratic dispensation – that are of historical significance and whose upkeep attracts expenses of the kind indicated by the Minister of Public Works.

The renovations will enable the President of the Republic, both current and future, to attend to a demanding programme of work in conditions of efficiency, security and the relative comfort that befits the highest office in the country.

It will also enable South Africa to return the support and hospitality that is extended to our government when we engage with counterparts all around the world.

All these facilities will be at the disposal of future administrations and cannot therefore be treated as personal favours.

Speculation to this effect is merely designed to undermine the dignity and relentless work ethic of this administration.