Dear Editor
The recent revelation of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s expenditure to the tune of R16 million on a one-day event to honour three Grammy Award-winning musicians is clearly wasteful expenditure. Such a lavish spending spree, in light of the current cost of living crisis facing South Africa should be cause for great concern.
In a written parliamentary question, the DA demanded transparency regarding the number of guests invited and a breakdown of the total expenses incurred for the event, including the costs of the venue, sound, food, music, and the company that secured the tender. Unfortunately, Minister Zizi Kodwa’s response was both disappointing and shocking.
According to the minister, the event had a relatively small attendance of 360 people. However, the staggering amount of R16,097,000 spent on the occasion raises serious concerns about the department’s financial priorities.
It is crucial to emphasize that this expenditure was not within the department’s allocated budget. The decision to allocate such a significant sum to a single event, without proper justification or oversight, demonstrates a lack of responsible financial management. As representatives of the public, we believe that taxpayer funds should be used judiciously to address pressing issues in this department, such as sport development and funding.
In light of Minister Kodwa’s failure to address our initial questions adequately, we are left with no choice but to pursue further clarification through follow-up questions to the ministry next week. We are determined to hold the government accountable for its spending decisions and ensure that wasteful expenditure is curbed, enabling resources to be allocated more effectively for the betterment of all South Africans.
Regards
Tsepo Mhlongo MP
DA Shadow Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Bug Blitz
A new teacher enters a classroom full of students.
The teacher stands at the front of the room and greets the students, \”Good morning, class.\”
None of the students say anything. One boy at the back of the classroom stands up, \”Good morning, teacher.\”
Puzzled, the teacher carries on. The following morning, the same thing happens. Day after day goes by, and it\’s the same routine.
One morning after greeting the class and the same student standing and greeting, the teacher has had enough, \”Why is it, that every time I walk in and greet the entire room, only you stand up and greet me?\”
In the most broken English, the boy replies, \”Because I are the only one here, what\’s name are Klass\”
Undergrad Split
Fun South African Fact: South Africa is home to the world’s longest wine route: Route 62. It spans an impressive 850 kilometres and the excellent wineries along the way are a must-visit for lovers of fine wine! You can even enjoy the winelands on a day trip from Cape Town. Travel 40-min to an hour outside of the city centre to enjoy decadent wine tastings and even wander through some of the beautiful wine farms and estates! Suburbs like Durbanville and Constantia are even closer to the city centre and are also home to many exceptional wineries.