While South Africans are struggling to make ends meet due to the rising cost of living, the government splurged an estimated R180 million on hosting the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg this year.
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It has been revealed that R75 million was spent on policing and security, despite most international delegates being accompanied by their respective national security agencies.
DA member of Parliament, Emma Louise Powell, submitted a written parliamentary inquiry to International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor regarding hosting expenses. In response, Minister Pandor stated that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spent R104 350 405.79 on hosting the summit.
Pandor further mentioned that Dirco did not provide any financial support for the hosting of the summit.
Louise Powell said the three-day BRICS ‘talk shop’ cost the South African taxpayer no less than R180 million.
‘This grotesque expenditure is a kick in the teeth for ordinary South Africans who have been left to fend for themselves in a country with one of the highest crime and unemployment rates in the world,’ she said.
With no evidence of any BRICS trade agreement, Louise-Powell expressed scepticism about South Africa gaining any economic advantages from the BRICS alliance.
As per News24, more than 5 000 police officers were deployed and 700 SAPS vehicles were used for the summit, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele.
‘A total number of 5 234 SA Police Service (SAPS) members were deployed during the summit and a total number of 726 SAPS vehicles were utilised. An amount of approximately R75 000 000 was spent.’
‘There was no additional security with regards to the summit,’ said Cele.
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Picture: The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa / Facebook