Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation has spent over R58 million on commemorative events. Photo: Sean / Flickr
Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation has spent over R58 million on commemorative events with the same companies benefitting.
Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation has spent over R58 million on commemorative events. Photo: Sean / Flickr
Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Mbali Hlophe, has revealed that the department has spent over R58 million on commemorative events in the last six financial years.
Hlophe revealed this information in a written reply to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
According to Hlophe, this is how the monies have been spent for commemorative days in the past six financial years:
Furthermore, the department insists that these celebrations are essential because Gauteng residents benefit by getting job opportunities, exposure to creativity, job opportunities and prioritisation of nation-building, according to the DA in Gauteng.
According to the DA in Gauteng, past experience has shown that there is nothing spectacular and beneficiary for artists and residents about these events as only renowned artists are hired to perform.
The party said it was also revealed that the same companies have been benefiting from rendering services at these events.
“How is the department promoting nation-building if the same people are reaping all the benefits?
“The DA believes that commemoration days are important as they form part of our history, but the department must spend wisely and prioritise service delivery.”
DA Gauteng
Meanwhile, the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture came under fire after it was reported that the plan to invest in a National Philharmonic Orchestra was approved in 2018 and will be going ahead this year. The announcement is expected to be made on Thursday this week.
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