EThekwini Municipality’s R900 000 GBV talkshops another “cash cow”
Durban councillors passed a bill that would see the city spend about R900 000 on programmes raising awareness on Gender-based violence.
The city has been accused of using gender-based violence talkshops as another cash cow for the politically connected.
This after the city put forward a report at the Durban full council to host a number of programmes regarding the scourge of GBV at a cost of R892 000.
These include in-person seminars and webinars.
Yogis Govender, Democratic Alliance executive council member, said the talkshops did very little in providing practical solutions to addressing the scourge of GBV.
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“We are tired of talkshops. The DA takes exception to the amount of money being spent on the frills rather than achieving the tangible outcomes that are so needed right now,” she said.
Govender said the decision to host the events at expensive locations like the Durban International Convention Centre and the Moses Mabhida Stadium (which cost R200 000 each) did not make sense since only 50 people are allowed to be in one venue as per the country’s regulations.
“This spend is reminiscent of the PRC virtual concerts that are there as a cash cow. Events worth hundreds of thousands of Rands with no tangible lasting imprint or outcomes for the ratepayers or residents,” said Govender.
The PRC virtual concerts were a number of online shows organised by the city to teach residents about “health practices” that cost over R8 million.
Govender said an advice desk, a WhatsApp line and facilitating collaborations with law clinics would yield better outcomes than a series of workshops.
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The event will also see the city distribute 500 books, sanitary pads, masks and sanitizers at a cost of R200 000.
According to the report, the city will host nine events between August and September.
Patience Sishange, ANC councillor, said she supported the proposed programmes.
“As women and mothers of eThekwini we would like to thank the municipality for showing that it cares about us even while we are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The municipality has given us a chance to care for one another and show love to those who have been abused and celebrate women’s month.”
The recommendation was carried with only DA councillors voting against it.
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