Close to R3-million was spent on the coronation of Xhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu.
The coronation on May 15 was the first since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. It was attended by thousands of people.
Provincial cooperative governance and traditional affairs spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said government had contributed about R2.2-million and the royal family R500000.
The amount was revealed in a steering committee meeting in Nqadu near Willowvale last Friday to review the work done during the coronation.
The meeting was attended by the chairs of task teams including infrastructure, logistics, catering, communications, protocol and invitation, safety and security, venues and accommodation as well as entertainment.
Representatives from the royal family also attended.
Ngam said the contributions from the royal family were in the form of livestock, entertainment and accommodation.
“These were in the main through donations made by various stakeholders including communities. Government complemented the work of the royal family in an effort to promote social cohesion.
“Government support to the coronation amounted to R2.2-million spent largely on logistics, catering and communications,” said Ngam.
“The meeting recommended the review of the policy guidelines on coronation in view of the lessons learnt,” said Ngam.
He said it would serve as a blueprint for other coronations in the country.
The success of the event was attributed to the partnership between the government and royal family in the planning and implementation of the event programmes and decisions.
The meeting commended the role played by the royal family and traditional communities in making the coronation a success through gifts and donations.
Royal family spokesman and SA National Defence Force joint operations chief Lieutenant-General Derrick Mgwebi expressed happiness that the coronation had been a success despite challenges.
“We thank all those who made contributions including the business sector, traditional leaders and their communities and all individuals who made commitment to make the coronation a success,” said Mgwebi.
However, he said that there were glaring challenges.
“We were promised a tent with a 6000 capacity, but that did not happen.
“Instead we end up with tent with a capacity of about 2500.
“That caused problems and even to the guests who were accredited and there were problem in catering and that nearly spoiled the whole event.
“But on overall, we are happy by the contribution and commitment by both the provincial and national government as well as by Amathole, Mbhashe and Mnquma municipalities,” said Mgwebi. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Hailed as a success, Xhosa king’s coronation cost R3m
The coronation on May 15 was the first since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. It was attended by thousands of people.
Provincial cooperative governance and traditional affairs spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said government had contributed about R2.2-million and the royal family R500000.
The amount was revealed in a steering committee meeting in Nqadu near Willowvale last Friday to review the work done during the coronation.
The meeting was attended by the chairs of task teams including infrastructure, logistics, catering, communications, protocol and invitation, safety and security, venues and accommodation as well as entertainment.
Representatives from the royal family also attended.
Ngam said the contributions from the royal family were in the form of livestock, entertainment and accommodation.
“These were in the main through donations made by various stakeholders including communities. Government complemented the work of the royal family in an effort to promote social cohesion.
“Government support to the coronation amounted to R2.2-million spent largely on logistics, catering and communications,” said Ngam.
“The meeting recommended the review of the policy guidelines on coronation in view of the lessons learnt,” said Ngam.
He said it would serve as a blueprint for other coronations in the country.
The success of the event was attributed to the partnership between the government and royal family in the planning and implementation of the event programmes and decisions.
The meeting commended the role played by the royal family and traditional communities in making the coronation a success through gifts and donations.
Royal family spokesman and SA National Defence Force joint operations chief Lieutenant-General Derrick Mgwebi expressed happiness that the coronation had been a success despite challenges.
“We thank all those who made contributions including the business sector, traditional leaders and their communities and all individuals who made commitment to make the coronation a success,” said Mgwebi.
However, he said that there were glaring challenges.
“We were promised a tent with a 6000 capacity, but that did not happen.
“Instead we end up with tent with a capacity of about 2500.
“That caused problems and even to the guests who were accredited and there were problem in catering and that nearly spoiled the whole event.
“But on overall, we are happy by the contribution and commitment by both the provincial and national government as well as by Amathole, Mbhashe and Mnquma municipalities,” said Mgwebi. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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