Science and Technology’s R1 million pot plant splurge
The Department of Science and Technology has spent R1,074,429 on “the maintenance of indoor plants” within the past five years.
This was revealed in a reply to a DA parliamentary question.
According to the reply, the Department spent:
- R487,710.12 between 2009 and 2011;
- R225,796.47 during the 2011/12 financial year;
- R240,555.96 during the 2012/13 financial year;
- R120,278 during the 2013/14 financial year.
According to Annelie Lotriet, DA shadow minister of Science and Technology, the minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, admitted that her department has already spent a further R90,000 on indoor plant maintenance this financial year, and intends to spend at least R380,000 this financial year.
“I will write to the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Themba Godi, and request that minister Pandor be summoned to Parliament to account for her department’s skewed priorities,” Lotriet said.
The DA pointed out that other departments with offices across the country such as the Department of Tourism have keep their pot plant expenditure for the past five years to below R20,000.
“A department spending over a R1 million on pot plants for a single building over the past five years is simply unjustifiable and clear waste of state resources,” Lotriet said.
More on South Africa
Eliminate wasteful spending and corruption: Gordhan
Loading ...