The DA in Gauteng has zoomed in on the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation after accusing it of once again wasting taxpayers' money following maintaining, partially functional, heritage monuments that do not benefit residents.
According to a written reply by the MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, 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.
Chiloane was responding to recent questions by Kingsol Chabalala MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for the department in Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
According to the written reply in the possession of The Star, the funds were distributed as follows: Women's Living Heritage Monument: R5 605 000, Boipatong Memorial: R2 927000, and Kagiso Memorial: R708 000.
The funds have been utilised for property maintenance, encompassing gardening and cleaning services, as well as electricity.
The department said it had seven heritage sites provisionally declared during this reporting period. Chabalala asked for the list of sites to be provided to the committee for purposes of oversight. Chalalala also asked what is the linkage between the sites and tourism in Gauteng?
“In the 4th quarter of the 2023/24 financial year, the department through its Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng provisionally declared the following seven heritage sites in terms of Section 29 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999. Barton Keep House, Msomi Gang Head Quarters, Absa Money Museum, Bantu Men's Social Centre, Carlton Centre, the Johannesburg Art Gallery and Percy Qoboza's Grave,” Chiloane said in the reply.
When it comes to heritage sites' linkage to tourism, Chiloane said: “The heritage sites undoubtedly form part of the heritage landscape of the Gauteng Province.
“They showcase and define the historical background of the province's painful past, and heritage matters post-1994 in democratic South Africa.
“Through the assessment process of section 3(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 19, the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng has identified these sites of provincial heritage significance.
“The sites were once formally declared in terms of section 27 - in brief, once the detailed research and comprehensive public consultations have been conducted/concluded, they could safely be shared with tourists visiting the province.
“It is expected that the sites, once fully researched and verified, wil portray their true reflection and authentic narratives.”
With regards to the three monuments, Chabalala asked how much does the department spends on each of these per quarter and what are the funds used for?
“With regards to the Kagiso memorial, the department spends around R177 000 per quarter for the operationalisation of the monument.
“For Boipatong memorial, the department transferred an amount of R2 927 000 for the operationalisation of the monument for the 2023/24 financial year.
“The Sedibeng District Municipality submits annual expenditure reports as per the business plan at the end of the municipal financial year for the operation of the Boipatong memorial before the new transfer,” said Chiloane in the reply..
Chabalala said the DA fully supports the preservation of heritage sites. Hhowever, it is concerned 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 upskilling opportunities and empowerment,” said Chabalala.
Chabalala further said “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 13 years later, Gauteng residents are still waiting for these monuments to become fully operational and be of value to them.”
Chabalala said the DA demands that 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,” Chabalala.
The Star