Just News |
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) has failed to account for R28 million wasted on social events in the past two financial years.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Kingsol Chabalala said the DA submitted written questions to establish which artists and service providers were paid for social events at various pubs and nightclubs, which cost the department R14 473 205,10 in the 2021/22 financial year and R13 327 380 in the 2022/23 financial year.
“The department only accounted for R7 928 767 paid to service providers for comedy shows and beach parties from 2021 to 2023 at various pubs and nightclubs”.
Chabalala said this information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe, in a written reply to the DA’s written questions tabled by the DA in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Chabalala added that it is worrying that the department is failing to account for R20 million spent on social events. “This raises suspicions about whether the money was spent on social events or was stolen. Social events are being used as a shield to hide corrupt activities.
Gauteng artists, particularly in the townships, face enormous challenges posed by the lack of resources and funding. This money could have been used to provide support for local artists”.
Chabalala further said it is concerning that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is doing nothing to intervene and ensure that this department delivers on its core mandate and eradicates fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
