Gauteng’s Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) has once again wasted taxpayers’ money maintaining partially functional heritage monuments that do not benefit residents.
According to a written reply by the MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR), Matome Chiloane, the department has spent R9.2 million for the 2023/24 financial year to maintain the Women’s Living Monument, the Boipatong Monument, and the Kagiso Memorial. However, these sites remain partially operational and provide no benefit to the residents of Gauteng.
The funds were distributed as follows:
Women’s Living Heritage Monument: R5,605,000
Boipatong Memorial: R2,927,000
Kagiso Memorial: R708,000
The funds have been utilised for property maintenance, encompassing gardening and cleaning services, as well as electricity.
The DA fully supports the preservation of heritage sites; however, it is concerning that such large amounts of money are being allocated to these heritage sites when they are not fully operational.
For a long time, the DA has complained about unnecessary delays by the department in completing these monuments, which is denying our youth access to up-skilling opportunities and empowerment.
Additionally, we have stated that heritage facilities can boost local tourism, attract investment to grow the local economy, and ultimately create jobs in our townships. It would be wise for the department to take advantage of this economic opportunity.
Yet thirteen years later, Gauteng residents are still waiting for these monuments to become fully operational and be of value to them.
The DA demands that the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR), Matome Chiloane, take immediate action to ensure that these monuments are fully operational. We expect him to audit the current status quo of these monuments, provide a detailed plan for these monuments, and deliver services to our people.
The DA refuses to let these monuments turn into costly burdens in our economically disadvantaged communities.