Mabuza criticises cost of Magashule farewell

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 R20m‚ saying there was no money for doing so.

Mabuza highlighted the matter while responding to questions from MPs in the National Council of Provinces on the progress the government has made regarding lifestyle audits on civil servants and public representatives.

Mabuza‚ a former political ally of Magashule‚ told MPs the government would “inquire” from the Free State government what had led them to hosting a party at the Free State Stadium in which all public servants in the Mangaung area were ordered to leave work at 9am on Wednesday to attend the event.

“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 Delisile Ngwenya‚ who wanted to know what the government was planning to do to hold Magashule and the provincial government accountable on this matter.

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.

“We don’t have money‚ we have got a lot of problems. So as leaders we must use the very little resources that we have correctly. Probably we’ll understand from the leadership of the Free State‚ now that you’ve raised this matter.

“You can still do without a party‚ I’m here‚ I did not have a party [back] home but I’m still surviving because we don’t have money. Probably what we can do is to persuade them in the interest of the party and in the interest of all the challenges we’re facing as a country‚ to use money sparingly and correctly.”

Turning to lifestyle audits on government officials and ministers‚ Mabuza said the government was finalising the guidelines and this remained a priority as they were serious about tackling corruption.