Cape Town - The government has wasted R79m since the Democratic Alliance set up a wasteful expenditure monitor in mid-July.
DA MP Lindiwe Mazibuko said on Friday a further R3m had been wasted in recent weeks.
"The DA has identified an additional four examples of the ANC government's culture of unnecessary spending," Mazibuko said.
"We will today (Friday) update our Wasteful Expenditure Monitor by R3m, bringing the total amount wasted by the new ANC administration to approximately R79m."
Mazibuko said in one case, the North West education department had spent around R90 000 on "pampering" 43 directors and chief directors at a day spa outside Pretoria.
"They chose the spa's exotic full day package which cost R2 099 per person," she said.
Living large
The DA had counted R242 242 in wasteful expenditure by Parliamentary committees, which held meetings and workshops at luxury hotels, rather than in Parliament.
The participating MPs were lodged at luxury hotels.
The department of science and technology had spent R1.4m on two Mercedes Benz ML350s for Minister Naledi Pandor.
The department of police spent R1.3m on two new BMWs.
Mazibuko however, welcomed an announcement by the Cabinet earlier this week that the minister of finance had tabled a draft report with proposals aimed at reducing wasteful spending.
"The objectives of the proposals include addressing public concerns that government is 'living large' while citizens are feeling the pain caused by the economic downturn," government spokesperson Themba Maseko said.
- SAPA
