JOHANNESBURG – The Eastern Cape government has declined allegations made by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane that millions of money meant to fund Nelson Mandela’s funeral were squandered.
The provincial government also denied that MEC of Treasury and Planning, Phumulo Masualle, or anyone benefited from the funeral.
Mkhwebane presented a report before parliament that looked at allegations of misappropriation of public funds during the funeral of the late statesman.
The report looked at the,“misappropriation of public funds, improper conduct and maladministration by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and other organs of State in connection with the expenditure incurred in preparation for the funeral of the late former President Nelson Mandela.”
According to Mkhwebane’s report, the expenditure at the funeral did not meet the necessary requirements expected.
The provincial government says it did nothing wrong and is prepared to take the legal route and ensure that Mkhwebane’s report is fully reviewed.
According to the Eastern Cape government, reports that they spent R300 million at the funeral are not correct, and maintains that it only spent under R40 million for the funeral.
Officials say this figure has been confirmed by the auditor general and can also be reviewed.
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