Kimberley
- The DA has estimated that the Northern Cape provincial government’s trip to Las Vegas to attend a hunting exhibition will cost taxpayers at least R500 000.
The delegation led by Environment and Nature Conservation MEC Tiny Chotela, Health MEC Mac Jack and Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Martha Bartlett are expected to return from the four-day hunting exhibition on Saturday
The Office of the Premier did not disclose the costs involved, but indicated that each department was responsible for its own costs.
DA provincial spokesman on Economic Affairs Boitumelo Babuseng calculated that the ticket price for a round trip on South African Airways on a business class flight for the three MECs would be a staggering R98 004.17.
Babuseng believed the trip was nothing more than a holiday in Las Vegas at the taxpayers’ expense.
“Accommodation for four nights at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, where the convention is to be held, will cost R44 352 per person. For the MEC’s travel and accommodation, the taxpayers will have to foot a bill of at least R338 364.51.”
He added that this did not include expenses incurred for meals, refreshments, daily stipends, costs of their entourages and travel allowances.
“Depending on how many government officials are being taken along on this joyride, we could be looking at costs of more than half-a-million rand.
“The funds that will have been wasted on this unnecessary luxury could and should have been spent towards stimulating the provincial tourism industry. The presence of three MECs and government officials will not contribute one single cent to the tourism industry.”
Babuseng pointed out that the hunters’ market was aimed at hunters.
“It is clearly not an event for politicians or regulators. What can the MECs for Environment, Health and Transport contribute to the discussion about hunting equipment or the best way to prepare a game pie?”
He rejected the argument of the Office of the Premier that this was an opportunity for the MECs who were new to their portfolio’s to “familiarise themselves” with the hunting industry.
“The departments of Health and Transport, Safety and Liaison have absolutely nothing to do with the hunting industry. All this is, is an opportunity to use new passports and have a holiday at the taxpayers’ expense.”
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