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ActionSA has written to ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting his immediate intervention to halt KZN EDTEA's planned R28 million splurge on the SAMAs. We contend that this is not only a blatant case of misuse but also potentially sinister, given the absence of an itemized budget with accurate and substantiated figures. 

While ActionSA supports the hosting of the SAMA Awards in eThekwini for its tourism spinoffs, we are opposed to the exorbitant reprioritsation of the provincial and municipal budget when there are more urgent needs the people of KwaZulu-Natal need addressed.

Our objection to the EDTEA's plan to splurge R28 million on the SAMAs is rooted in the fact that the Department's intention to divert funds from other programs lacks fiscal justification and is not in compliance with the necessary approval process from the Provincial Legislature.

As further evidence of the inflated expenses to be borne by the residents of KZN, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, unilaterally committed an additional R25 million for hosting the SAMAs, without seeking prior council approval. 

ActionSA is deeply concerned that the cash-strapped KZN Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality would deem it appropriate to fund a R53 million vanity project rather than prioritise investment in the recovery efforts of a Province still grappling with the devastating aftermath of the July 2021 Riots and the April 2022 Floods. 

If the ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, is to advance his “renewal” agenda within the ruling party, he would do well to seize this opportunity to take a stand. As such we implore him to give effect to this request and intercept this irrational spend when KZN and eThekwini languish with decrepit infrastructure and anaemic economic opportunities which should be the department’s primary focus.

ActionSA will continue to fight against the wastage of taxpayer funds and ensure that the KZN Government and eThekwini Municipality stop their habit of disregarding relevant Legislature and Council protocols in order to expedite reckless expenditures.

Letter Attached

Issued by ActionSA KZN Provincial Chairperson, Zwakele Mncwango