Government should use the R60-million budgeted for the presidential inauguration to improve the lives of poor South Africans instead of spending it so that the "elite could eat and drink the day away", the Democratic Alliance said on Thursday.
DA chief election spokesperson Douglas Gibson said government could create a lasting tribute to South Africa's first decade of democracy by financing sports facilities like soccer fields at several hundred schools in deprived areas.
He said the planned event was excessive and a waste of taxpayers' money.
"Such lavishness is a poor way of celebrating 10 years of our democracy. It will be seen by the citizens of our country and the outside world as yet another sign of a ruling elite more interested in self-glorification than in meeting the needs of ordinary people."
He said the money would be better spent on improving the quality of people's lives.
"It is quite clear the ANC is taking the voters of this country for granted, and treating this election merely as a triumphal march towards the coronation of their leader."
In a separate statement, New National Party media director Carol Johnson said her party had taken note of the budget for the celebrations of ten years of democracy.
"The NNP believes that it is necessary to celebrate our democracy and all South Africans should be included in these celebrations.
"The NNP will however monitor how the funds are used because it is taxpayers' money. The funds must be used in a way that unifies and reconciles the country," Johnson said. - Sapa