Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament, Tsepo Mhlongo, has denounced recent revelation the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spent a whopping R16 million on a one-day event to honour three Grammy Award-winning musicians.
Mhlongo slammed the expenditure as a frivolous splurge, especially considering the current cost of living crisis in South Africa.
The lavish event saw musicians Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode being honoured at a glittering ceremony for bringing home a Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for “Bayethe” at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 5th, 2023.
In a written parliamentary question, 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.
According Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, the event had a relatively small attendance of 360 people.
Mhlongo said Minister Kodwa’s response was disappointing, prompting the DA to pursue further clarification through follow-up questions.
“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,” Mhlongo declared.
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