NELSPRUIT – The launch of the University of Mpumalanga in October cost the provincial government R3,9 million. This is according to a breakdown on the expenditure provided by the Office of the Premier, Mr David Mabuza.
In December, it was reported that the government had not responded to numerous queries about the expenditure for the two-day event, for which R4 million had been allocated as part of the Provincial Adjustment budget. The premier’s office explained that the sum was earmarked for any matter related to the launch of the university, between the time of the launch and the end of the financial year in March.
At the time, Mr Zibonele Mncwango, spokesman for the premier said, “At no point did the provincial government spend R4 million on the function”. He said that of the R3,9 million, R795 713 was spent on transport, R798 000 on food and R2,3 million on infrastructure like marquees, chairs and tables, sound, visual screens, stages and lighting, mobile toilets and fire extinguishers.
A total of 6 000 people were transported every day from areas and municipalities near Nelspruit to attend an imbizo at Nsikazi Stadium in KaBokweni on October 30 and the official launch and sod-turning ceremony at the Lowveld Agricultural College the following day, where new buildings will be constructed for the university.
The same people were also provided with meals from local caterers every day, while the gala dinner on October 30 was catered for by the national department of higher education and training, Mncwango said.
The office explained that they aimed to have a large number of people attending the launch and for it to be inclusive instead of an elitist function, “Because they wanted to be part of the event and own the tertiary institution”.
“For the Lowvelder to expect the provincial government to provide details for daily transactions on any matter might indeed be difficult,” said the spokesman. “It is for this reason that there is the legislature to keep track on government expenditure and other institutions such as the Auditor-General to verify if procedures and value for money principles are observed.”
Thy have R3.9m to spend on intertaiment but not long ago there was no money for NsFas, this is really crazy, and I still don’t understant why they have to use lowveld college of Agr as Ump. Why did’nt they start it at a new plot, and think this will mean the college will be cancelled? Govement have no strategy or this is jst a good way of doing their corruptio