Budget bash costs R350 000

2004-12-02 14:27

Cape Town - Entertainment, publicity and promotions on the occasion of Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi's budget vote speech to parliament earlier this year cost South African taxpayers a whopping R354 000.

According to a written reply by Mufamadi to a parliamentary question, tabled on Thursday, more than R135 000 of this was spent on food and drink.

The function took place after the minister's speech in the National Assembly in June this year.

According to Mufamadi, its main purpose was "to give an account to parliament, local government and provincial stakeholders, as well as the nation, on the fulfilment of the ministry and departmental mandate".

"In addition, the annual celebration provides an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to network and enhance the various programmes... ," he said.

Expenditure included:

promotional items and printed matter: R64 199;

audio-visual material: R8 586;

hiring of equipment and personnel: R90 545;

transport: R7 260;

venue hire: R27 337;

food and drinks: R135 168; and

music and entertainment: R20 900.

- SAPA