Opposition not against hosting.
BUFFALO City Metro is set to indirectly benefit by close to R150-million from hosting this year’s Southern African Inter Municipal Sports Association (Saimsa) “mini Olympics” games.
Saimsa represents municipalities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and holds its annual games in different SADC regions every year.
But this was contrary to what was said by BCM LOC chairwoman and ANC PR councillor, Nozizwe Otola, who said R3-million was approved by council.
Otola said the metro was ready to host and plans were being rolled out in the metro in preparation for the games.
She said these included installation of CCTV cameras in and around the metro, especially the beachfront.
However, PAC councillor Jerome Mdyolo said the LOC had asked for R10-million.
“This amount was just pie in the sky. Council approved R5-million and we indicated the LOC must submit a report on how they intend to spend the money. We cannot just sign a blank cheque. They have yet to submit that report.”
Mdyolo said the party supported the hosting of the games, but were against any misuse of public funds.
DA BCM caucus spokesman councillor Lance Weyer said he was aware the LOC had asked for huge amounts, but did not have details at hand.
“We are unhappy we do not have a member on that steering committee as an official opposition in the metro. We think we should be included to ensure there will not be abuse of funds.”
Weyer said they were generally not opposing the hosting of games.
COPE BCM councillor Ben Twalingca, who also sits in the LOC, confirmed the committee had initially requested a huge figure.
“I’m aware R5-million was approved by council but aspects of it will be spent on preparation of sport grounds working with other departments.”
Twalingca said the ANC-led LOC has yet to hold a meeting to discuss a report to be submitted detailing how the money was going to be spent.
He said while in the LOC he would ensure the money was not spent irregularly as were the millions meant to ferry mourners to venues where memorial services for the late president Nelson Mandela were held. — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
R150m games boost for BCM
BUFFALO City Metro is set to indirectly benefit by close to R150-million from hosting this year’s Southern African Inter Municipal Sports Association (Saimsa) “mini Olympics” games.
Saimsa represents municipalities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and holds its annual games in different SADC regions every year.
But this was contrary to what was said by BCM LOC chairwoman and ANC PR councillor, Nozizwe Otola, who said R3-million was approved by council.
Otola said the metro was ready to host and plans were being rolled out in the metro in preparation for the games.
She said these included installation of CCTV cameras in and around the metro, especially the beachfront.
However, PAC councillor Jerome Mdyolo said the LOC had asked for R10-million.
“This amount was just pie in the sky. Council approved R5-million and we indicated the LOC must submit a report on how they intend to spend the money. We cannot just sign a blank cheque. They have yet to submit that report.”
Mdyolo said the party supported the hosting of the games, but were against any misuse of public funds.
DA BCM caucus spokesman councillor Lance Weyer said he was aware the LOC had asked for huge amounts, but did not have details at hand.
“We are unhappy we do not have a member on that steering committee as an official opposition in the metro. We think we should be included to ensure there will not be abuse of funds.”
Weyer said they were generally not opposing the hosting of games.
COPE BCM councillor Ben Twalingca, who also sits in the LOC, confirmed the committee had initially requested a huge figure.
“I’m aware R5-million was approved by council but aspects of it will be spent on preparation of sport grounds working with other departments.”
Twalingca said the ANC-led LOC has yet to hold a meeting to discuss a report to be submitted detailing how the money was going to be spent.
He said while in the LOC he would ensure the money was not spent irregularly as were the millions meant to ferry mourners to venues where memorial services for the late president Nelson Mandela were held. — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos