Sport is the backbone of most societies. It gives us all a place in this world, regardless of who or where we are from. Uniting people from different walks of life through passion and team spirit.
But is Newcastle Municipality putting unnecessary strain on ratepayers to pursue sports activities?
This follows Newcastle councillors attending the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) games. The games took place in Pietermaritzburg from December 7 to December 9.
The issue with the SALGA Games begins on December 6, during an EXCO meeting. A document pertaining to the games was allegedly pushed into the meeting at the last minute. Councillors allegedly expected to vote for the go-ahead to send councillors.
“The Democratic Alliance (DA) opposed the decision to send councillors,” says Councillor Bebsie Cronje.
Cllr Cronje explains the DA feels sending councillors is an unnecessary waste of money. The only officials the DA feels qualifies for the trip is Community Services. Despite the DA opposing councillors going on the trip, the political party was overruled.
While supporting community-based sports and development, Cllr Cronje explains the biggest concern the DA has pertaining to the SALGA games is the respective costs.
“One document makes mention of approximately R400 000. However, a document from Amajuba District Municipality mentions Newcastle Municipality will need to fork out a staggering R976 500 for the participants.”
So, how much will the Newcastle Municipality need to pay for the SALGA games? Considering it will need to fork out funds for both councillors and participants.
Cllr Cronje says no actual figures were given. Meaning that a so-called blank cheque was approved.
“I was told there is allegedly an invoice to the amount of approximately R1 million for payment of SALGA games expenses,” Cllr Cronje says.
This money will go towards accommodation, tracksuits and other items needed for the councillors and participants at the event.
“The DA supports the decision that our municipality should give assistance to participants. But we totally reject the payment of all councillors attending the SALGA games. The DA was the only party to oppose this wasteful expenditure.”
Will the Amajuba District Municipality not assist? According to a document, the Amajuba District Municipality requested that participating municipalities contribute financially to take part in the event.
The amount that Amajuba Municipality claims Newcastle Municipality must pay is R976 500. With Newcastle Municipality already facing financial constraints and setbacks, can it really fork out more money on events such as the SALGA Games?
“It is unacceptable. The municipality is in dire straits and it is wasting money on unnecessary expenditure,” Cllr Cronje exclaims.
The Newcastle Municipality’s Communication Department was contacted for comment. As well as the Newcastle Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi. No comment was forthcoming at the time of the article’s publication.
What are your thoughts on Newcastle Municipality spending money on the SALGA Games? Do you feel the money should rather go into upgrading town facilities? Or do you feel expenditure on the event is justified?
Share your views with us in the comment section below.
One Response
It is amazing how wasteful our Newcastle Municipality has become.But we have issues around Newcastle suburbs where pipes are bursting on most streets in Barry Hertzog,streets are unkept and untidy,trees hanging on roads occluding road users’ view…..so much neglect and yet we are paying high rates.Only to see counsillors pampered at our expense.We deserve justice as residents,not what we see our municipality doing