NELSPRUIT – Opposition parties are up in arms over allegations that the provincial government diverted public funds from service delivery to pay for memorial services of the late former president, Mr Nelson Mandela. The DA and COPE, both represented provincial legislature, have strongly criticised the reported abuse.
It was reported on Sunday by City Press that the provincial government spent R70 million on memorial services in December held at Mbombela Stadium as well as Middelburg, Ermelo, Bushbuckridge, Malalane and Mkhuhlu. According to the Mpumalanga Special Adjustment Appropriation Bill, gazetted in January, the diversion of the funds cost the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs R41 million, social development R10 million, provincial treasury R9 million, public works, roads and transport R5 million and human settlements R5 million.
According to the paper, R39,8 million of this was paid to celebrity event planner, Ms Carol Bouwer for arranging the events.
Mr Anthony Benadie, provincial leader of the DA, said the party would request the Public Protector to investigate the premier, Mr David Mabuza for allegedly abusing the public funds.
“The people of Mpumalanga deserved to attend events celebrating the legacy of Madiba, but the DA does not believe that the father of our nation would have approved of the poor being forced to suffer at the expense of celebrating his life. The DA believes that Mabuza’s spending was excessive and that he should be held accountable.”
The provincial leader of COPE, Ms Zale Madonsela said the party would support any action for the Public Protector to investigate the matter.
