R12 million spent on guests at ANC Birthday Bash



A News 24 (2012-03-22) article, reported about the R12 million spent on guests at ANC birthday bash. In it, divulging that South Africa spent R12m on hosting foreign guests at the ANC's recent 100-year celebrations, thus being confirmed by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on Thursday.

50 heads of states and governments and nine dignitaries were housed, fed and entertained leaving South Africa with a hefty bill of R11 014 000 at the end of it all. Further more, R1m was spent on logistics, including meals, at the three-day event in Bloemfontein.

The capital was used for an array of things which included celebrations, a golf tournament, animal sacrifice and concerts. It wasn’t all work and no play as the event was also used for meetings on South Africa's foreign policy.



International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

With regards to the money I have no objection in it being used and I am well aware of the costs that are incurred on a business trip more especially so when it involves prestigious dignitaries, heads of state and other government officials. But my curiosity rises as I ponder on the question most citizens are asking:

Why spend so much money on lavish celebrations, and event when there are on-going problems like poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Arms deal; Safe in the HANDS of Zuma?

In 1994 the South African government announced that it intended re-equipping the air force and navy. Four years later, the arms deal was signed and so began a saga that has seldom been far from the news

President Zuma came under the firing line again this Thursday when the Leader of the Democratic Alliance in Parliament, Lindiwe Mazibuko asked him whether he intended to release the full and unexpurgated final report to be produced by the commission and whether steps would be taken against the persons that may be implicated in the report.

We live in a country governed by the nominal concept of democracy which has made it possible for the public to become involved with regards to the Arms deal & what exactly went down. However along with the democracy there happens to be a fair amount of corruption as well.

 There is a great deal of public concern about the fact that this report will not be made public because it might implicate some senior members of government, even senior members of your own Cabinet.

 "I honestly believe that if you think the public interest and the principles to which you are enjoined are the issue at heart, then you have to commit to this House that you will release the report and you will make it public within a reasonable timeframe, say three months of it being tabled to you, in order to give the public the assurance that this government will not tolerate corruption within its senior ranks," said Mazibuko.

Why does government feel the need to expose only what they want the public to know? Are we to, not entitled to be in the know?

 Two years ago the arms deal only cost SA approximately R47-billion. It had then ballooned from the initial cost of approximately R30-billion.The arms deal has cost the South Africa public over R70-billion.

With figures like that, I think it is only fair that President Zuma ‘fess up  the findings as per the commissioner who has sweeping powers to search and seize, subpoena witnesses and to compel them to answer questions.

Seems like the President to easily forgets that the same people who elected him into power April 2009 are the very same who can leave him position less. With democratic elections only one year away, these questions need to be answered.

E-Thief

Thousands of COSATU members took to the streets of Johannesburg on the 7^th March 2012 in an attempt to have their voice heard. Many are displeased with government and the e-toll levy that they are now expected to pay. Protesters handed over a memorandum of demands to Gauteng transport minister Ismail Vadi and Premier Nomvula Mokonyane outside the latter's office in the Johannesburg CBD.

 Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi warned the government on Wednesday that the labour federation would not permit e-tolling to go ahead, as it would "drive poor people off our highways".

That being said, I’m sure many will agree that on top of paying taxes AND the constant hike in petrol prices, expecting road users to pay e-toll tariffs will be the final nail in the coffin.

According to SARPN www.sarpn.org the poverty in South Africa stands at a staggering 57%. Therefore based on the high levels of poverty in South Africa, how can government expect citizens to furthermore fork out money on e-toll tariffs?

Poverty rate (%) in South African municipalities

In Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan’s 2012 budget speech he says: “Mister Speaker, I am mindful that the introduction of tolling to finance the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme has caused considerable public reaction. We have listened carefully to the various suggestions and appreciate the difficulties that might be faced.”  www.moneyweb.co.za

 In saying that, what has government done to alleviate the costs charged to citizens? At no point before the installation of the e-tolls were the citizens consulted.

The Government’s response:

“The government has made a decision and the government is going to proceed to implement that decision, at the time when there’s a necessity for that decision to be changed, the cabinet will look at that, but at the moment, the cabinet decision stands.” the Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane.

E-tolling system will go ahead as scheduled on April 30.

Members of COSATU and thousands of South African road users are demanding answers more especially they are demanding relief from the increasing transportation costs. All they seem to be doing is paying for the upgrading of road that never seem to be upgraded year in and year out.