The full tab for Sona is in, and it’s a lot more than was budgeted
The cost of the state of the nation address (Sona) for 2017 reached a staggering R11m, the DA claimed on Sunday. This year’s Sona attracted controversy before it even took place after it was announced that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would be deployed around the parliamentary precinct from February 5-10 at a cost of about R200,000, to "maintain law and order". DA chief whip John Steenhuisen said on Sunday that replies to questions he had submitted immediately following the state of the nation address revealed that the cost of the 2017 edition had reached "an astonishing R11m". "On 2 February, secretary to Parliament Gengezi Mgidlana told media that R4m had been budgeted for the event. However, replies to written questions to the ministers of police and public works revealed that their departments spent a further R4.085m and R2.7m, respectively," said Steenhuisen. He said the Department of State Security avoided answering the question, "as is their habit, claimin...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.