Question NW3266 to the Minister of Social Development
24 November 2017 - NW3266
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to her replies to questions 2018 and 2019 on 9 October 2017, regarding the Mikondzo events which were managed by Azande Consulting and Vee El that were held in each province, what is the breakdown of the amounts in terms of (a) VIP transport and general transport, (b) accommodation, (c) catering, (d) venue hire, (e) equipment hire, (f) sound equipment hire, (g) management fees; (2) (a)(i) how many people were accommodated in respect of each event and (ii) what is the name of each person who was accommodated and (b) what is the name of each hotel that was booked to accommodate the specified persons?
Reply:
1. A total amount of R 80 696 163,18 was paid to Azande and Vee-El for Mikondzo events held in the 2016/17 financial year. This amount is broken down as follows:
a) VIP transport and general transport: Nothing was spent on VIP transport. An amount of R5 662 500,98 was spent on general transport
b) Accommodation: No amount was paid to Azande or Vee-El for accommodation for Mikondzo. All accommodation costs are borne directly by SASSA as it is only officials who are accommodated, in line with the prevailing policies. A total amount of R1 067 165,94 was paid for accommodation by SASSA for attendance at Mikondzo events for the 2016/17 financial year.
c) Catering: A total amount of R11 460 130,37 was paid for catering.
d) Venue hire: The costs for this item includes amounts paid for hiring of marquees, flooring, décor, chairs, tables, set-up costs and safety certificates) The total amount paid was R31 535 689,51
e) Equipment hire: No amounts were spent on equipment hire.
f) Sound equipment hire: An amount of R8 084 172,95 was paid for sound equipment hire.
g) Management fees: A total amount of R11 400 was paid for management fees.
h) Other: A total of R23 942 269,36 was paid to the contractors for other direct costs, including security services, procurement of promotional items and other services not indicated above.
2. Officials attending Mikondzo events include representatives from Head Office, Provincial Offices as well as District and Local Offices as well as officials from National and Provincial DSD. Not all of the staff need to be accommodated, as the majority are staff who normally work in the area where the Mikondzo takes place.