Simon Mantell's side-splitting and often thought-provoking radio ads are probably as popular as his Mantelli's biscuits. But the businessman is feeling the heat - and not just because he took a jab at the Guptas in one of his commercials.
He has built what is alleged to be an illegal rock feature at his Claremont, Cape Town, home.
But Mantell says he is being "maliciously prosecuted" after speaking out against the rezoning of a property that would allow it to operate as a hotel.
Last year the Greenways Hotel got the nod from the authorities to operate as a 37-suite hotel. Mantell said it had been "illegally" operating as a guesthouse for 29 years.
"Residents didn't know that it was operating without the necessary permission. It is inexplicable that it has managed to obtain a liquor licence, particularly with schools in the vicinity," he said.
But Thomas Ringer, a "custodian" of Greenways, said the business had the consent of the city to run the guesthouse.
The manor house at Greenways is a heritage site.
"We want to preserve the heritage site with the trees and the greens, and have it accessible to the public," said Ringer.
Mantell fears the new zoning could allow Greenways to grow to seven storeys. According to its website, it is a five-star hotel that has been visited by Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Twenty-seven residents objected to the rezoning and unsuccessfully appealed the approval.
Mantell has complained to the public protector and is considering a Cape Town High Court application because he believes property values will be depressed.
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