Issued by: The Office of the President
The Office of the President was alarmed to learn through reports in the media this morning (12 December 1995) that President Nelson Mandela had neglected to pay his rates and services for his residence in Lower Houghton.
The accounts for the Lower Houghton property are administered by the President's attorney, Mr. Ismail Ayob. At no stage were the accounts deriving from the property that is occupied by the President in arrears. Not since he moved onto it.
A cursory investigation by the Office of the President has shown that the account that may be in dispute concerns a neighbouring house owned for sme time by the ANC. At no stage did the President own the property or assume responsibility for its accounts.
The Office of the President finds it regrettable that a report of such a sensitive nature was published without an attempt to hear the side of the President. The report is completely untrue.
The President attaches particular importance to the due payment for services rendered and disapproves of any dereliction of duty in this regard.
Issued by the Office of the President 12 December 1995