Mabuza blasts Ace over R20m splurge
Mangaung residents protest over R20m gig
Deputy President David Mabuza has lambasted the Free State government for throwing a farewell party for outgoing premier Ace Magashule, reportedly at a cost of R20-million, saying there was no money for doing so.
Mabuza addressed the matter while responding to questions from MPs in the National Council of Provinces on the progress government has made regarding lifestyle audits on civil servants.
Mabuza, a former political ally of Magashule, told MPs that government would “inquire” with the Free State government what led to them hosting a party at the Free State Rugby Stadium for which all public servants in the Mangaung area were ordered to leave work at 9am yesterday morning to attend.
“You’re very correct to raise a concern about this matter of a farewell party, where money is going to be spent,” said Mabuza.
The question had been asked by EFF MP Delisiwe Ngwenya, who wanted to know what government was planning to do to hold Magashule and the provincial government accountable.
Ngwenya suggested the conduct of the Free State government was another example of why sections of the public were losing confidence in the ANC.
Taking a jibe at Magashule, the former premier of Mpumalanga said he had recently quit as a provincial leader and no party was held for him because there was simply no money for it.
“Probably, we’ll understand from the leadership of the Free State, now that you’ve raised this matter.”
Turning to lifestyle audits, which were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address, Mabuza said they were finalising the guidelines and that this remained a priority as they were serious about tackling corruption.
“Corruption makes people not to believe in [elected] leadership,” he said.
Mabuza also came out against suggestions that government should regulate the religious sector. While he admitted that some churches were being used for nefarious activities, Mabuza reminded MPs that South Africa was a secular state.
Meanwhile, residents of Mangaung protested yesterday over the exorbitant amount of money reported to have been spent for Magashule’s farewell.
Protests took place at Moshoeshoe, with the main road in the area blocked off with bricks, branches and trees early in the morning.
The farewell took place along with inauguration celebrations for new premier Sisi Ntombela at the same stadium.
According to DA Free State’s Roy Jankielsohn, municipal council meetings were cancelled as ANC mayors, speakers and councillors were expected to attend. –