[imagesource:facebook/parliamentofsouthafrica]

Parliament has budgeted between R6 million and R14 million for their opening address, scheduled to take place this evening at the Cape Town City Hall.

This significant event occurs once every five years following the provincial and national elections, serving to outline the new administration’s plans and officially inaugurate the new five-year parliamentary term.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Secretary to Parliament Xolile George explained the rationale behind the allocated budget, which many are wrinkling their noses at, considering the amount is hefty and not yet confirmed.

“In 2023, during the State of the Nation Address, we had a budget of R8.4 million. This is just a budget; the actual expenditure may be less or slightly more depending on the reconciliation that we will be doing, but this is the amount we have set aside based on the nature and scale.”

Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, clarified that this budget does not include a gala dinner, which has been cancelled due to financial constraints. Despite excluding the dinner, the event will still eat into a large portion of taxpayer money.

Earlier this year, George noted that Parliament has nearly doubled its budget for the seventh administration, allocating R58 million.

“In 2019, we budgeted R43 million for transition; in 2024, we budgeted R58 million. The budgeting is to make transitions for candidates, for flights, accommodation, tools of trade, inductions, and more.”

Considering our government’s history of fund allocation, that “and more” leaves us Saffas feeling somewhat suspicious and bothered.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza confirmed that there are no known plans for any members of parliament to boycott the opening address.

This statement comes in the wake of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) boycotting the first sitting of the National Assembly. MK party members were dissatisfied with the results of the May 29 national elections, alleging that the results were rigged and demanding a recount of ballots.

As Cape Town prepares for this significant event, the city has announced several road closures in the CBD that drivers need to be aware of ahead of Parliament’s opening.

Check them out below so you don’t get caught behind a traffic jam of unmarked police cars on your way home tonight:

Image: City of Cape Town

[source:iol]