The cost is the largest spending for a regional conference in the province since democracy in 1994.
The 10th ANC Peter Mokaba regional elective conference in Limpopo has cost the region more than R8 million, sources say
The cost is the largest spending for a regional conference in the province since democracy in 1994.
How ANC spent the money
A source within the regional executive committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the money was spent on food and beverages for friends of the ANC from both the province and national leadership, sound systems, venues, transport, media, accommodation, decoration and banners, among many other items.
“We had to book two venues for accommodation. We booked The Ranch and Park Inn hotels to accommodate delegates and friends of the ANC, including journalists,” said the source.
Another source told The Citizen the region spent more than R2 million only on accommodation at the Ranch and Park In Hotels.
“Remember, the conference was scheduled to sit on the 15th and 16th, but it was postponed due to disputes. We had to extend the booking for five more days while waiting for the national dispute resolution committee to finalise the clearance of the disputes,” said the source.
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Chicks, snacks, booze paid by ANC
A delegate booked at Park Inn Hotel, who also asked for his name to be withheld, had only this to say: “We had everything – free meals, nice accommodation, chicks, snacks and booze. All this was paid for by the ANC.
“Others alleged generous service providers from around the province and Gauteng offered to pay the bill.
“You know the ANC has no money. It depends on handouts from generous service providers.
“Those who are lucky got out of the conference with well-lined pockets after promises that they would vote correctly at the conference,” he said.
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Ridiculous spending
Some criticised the spending as exorbitant.
“We are lining the streets of Polokwane every morning looking for jobs. Others are sleeping in thatch and mud houses years after empty promises from government to build us RDP houses.
“Roads are riddled with potholes, water is scarce in villages and townships while litter fills our streets.
“This money could have been best used to change the lives of our people in communities,” said Christopher Matlou of the Blouberg subregion.
The conference elected Polokwane mayor John Mpe as chair for the region for a third term, Masilo Edward Paya as deputy chair, Lesiba Matsemela as secretary, Kholofelo Lehong as deputy secretary and Merriam Molala as regional treasurer.
ANC spokesperson for the region Adolph Rapetsoa would neither confirm, nor deny the cost of the conference. He said they were still working out how much was spent and how much was owed to service providers.
