Cape Town – The budget for the upcoming opening of Parliament is estimated between R6m to R14m, with a decision not to host a gala dinner due to financial constraints, Parliament’s presiding officer, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has confirmed.
“On the issue of the gala dinner, due to financial constraints, unfortunately we are unable to hold a gala dinner,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said while briefing the media on Wednesday.
The National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane says due to financial constraints, there will be no gala dinner after OPA #OPA2024 pic.twitter.com/kIC30k6syk
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) July 17, 2024
Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George, explained that R8 million was budgeted for the previous opening of parliament, The Citizen reported.
“The reason we budget in this range is because we’re considering cost factors for the last sitting in February. We budgeted R8.4m, but the actual expenditure may be less or slightly more. It depends on the reconciliation we will do,” the report quoted George as saying.
Parliament Presiding Officers led by Speaker Ms Thoko Didiza and NCOP Chairperson, Ms Refilwe Matshwela-Tsipane, with Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, briefing the Media on Parliament’s state of readiness to host the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA). #7thParliament pic.twitter.com/UlFqFPm2HI
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) July 17, 2024
Former presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma are invited guests, marking Zuma’s first attendance as an opposition leader.
The event will feature traditional elements such as military displays, a national anthem performance, and a praise song in Tshivenda, honouring South Africa’s linguistic diversity.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
