South African civil rights organisation AfriForum wants to know how much it cost to host last month’s BRICS Summit.
The organisation has sent its government a lawyers letter of demands.
Afriforum represents 310,000 members, mainly consisting of Afrikaans-speaking citizens.
“Its (Promotion of Access to Information Act) PAIA application to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), asks for a breakdown of summit-related costs,” said the organisation’s campaign officer Charne’ Mostert.
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Afriforum wants receipts for:
- The number and roles of summit personnel
- Expenses from security personnel deployment changes
- The security measures put in place in Johannesburg
- Associated venues during the summit
- Any additional relevant records or communications related to government expenditure for this summit
From governing excellence to everyday South African life
Thousands of foreign delegates, diplomats and about 40 heads of state descended on Sandton, where the Summit was held.
Locals who are accustomed to a much lower standard of service delivery and governance inefficiency, were treated to world-class organisation, security and uninterrupted power supply.
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But as foreigners returned home, everyday life resumed. This meant a return to crippling power shortages, exacerbating already large traffic volumes and less police visibility for South Africans.
“During the summit, the roar of fighter jets was often heard in the skies, even four days after the summit,” explained Mostert.
“Traffic officers were deployed at essential traffic lights, and security personnel were employed to safeguard the proceedings. “
“Loadshedding was eased for the summit, only to be moved to stage 6 thereafter. Urgent attention was paid to addressing faulty traffic lights, cleanliness of streets and building maintenance.”
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Citizen’s frustration returns
Afriforum argues the level of governance seen at the BRICS summit is expected daily.
“The government falls short in ensuring consistent service delivery on these matters beyond events where international leaders are in attendance,” said Mostert.
“Given the government’s less than stellar record of misallocating funds and corrupt tenders and the evidently considerable financial allocations made for this summit, these details should be available for inspection.”
Afriforum also argued that the government has limited resources to address the country’s escalating crime rate, debilitating electricity rationing and declining road maintenance.
“The public has a right to know how the government allocated and spent resources hosting this global summit,” Mostert said.
Dirco spokesperson Clyason Monyela told BGTN that Afriforum’s issues were not part of Dirco’s mandate.
“They’d have to check with relevant state organs and departments charged with security responsibilities regarding deployments and costs associated with such,” Monyela concluded.
