Johannesburg - The Department of Public Works spent R47.6 million on President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration.
This was revealed by Minister of Public Works Thulas Nxesi in a written reply to Parliament on Wednesday, following a question from DA MP Kenneth Mubu.
“The Department of Public Works has contributed R47 646 422.79 towards the organization of the May 2014 presidential onauguration,” said Nxesi.
He said this included: a podium; pavilions and stands for the Amphitheatre; a PA system; a big screen for the Amphitheatre; seating in the Amphitheatre; electrical works; the Dome; furniture for VVIPs; seating and linen in the marquees; a stage, sound system and big screen on the South Lawn; ablution facilities; horticulture and decorations; fencing; marquees; a shell scheme or temporary walling; occupational health and safety compliance; cleaning services; blankets; and umbrellas.
The national Budget released earlier this year included about R68m for state functions in the Public Works budget, up from the previous year’s R27m due to inauguration plans.
This indicates that Public Works may have overspent a little.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation budgeted about R80m for the inauguration.