R20m farewell bash for Magashule slammed

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 to so.

Mabuza addressed 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 that the government would inquire from the Free State government what had led to them hosting a party at the Free State Rugby Stadium which all public servants in the Mangaung area were ordered to leave work at 9am yesterday to attend.

The question had been asked by EFF MP Delisiwe Ngwenya‚ who wanted to know what the government was planning to do to hold Magashule and the provincial government accountable on this matter.

Turning to lifestyle audits on government officials and ministers which were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his state-of-the-nation address last month‚ Mabuza said they were finalising the guidelines and this remained a priority as they were serious about tackling corruption.

He also came out against suggestions that the government should regulate the religious sector. – TimesLIVE