Independent Democrats Chief Whip Lance Greyling has questioned the SABC’s 'gravy plane' delegation to the Beijing Olympics.  

`It has come to the ID's attention that the SABC is intending to send a large non-operational delegation to the Beijing Olympics at the taxpayers expense,’ says Greyling.  

`This delegation includes, amongst others, certain members of the SABC board, top management officials and the spouses and partners of these employees.  

`It is unclear as to what the purpose of such a delegation is and whether the astronomical costs can be justified given that the SABC is budgeting for a substantial loss this financial year.  

`Similar delegations have been sent to the soccer World Cup, African Cup of Nations, the Cricket World Cup and other prestigious sporting events around the world.  

`The ID believes that these delegations are nothing more than expensive paid holidays for Executives and Board members at the taxpayer's expense. Given the current economic downturn and the high cost of living that many South Africans are experiencing the ID believes that this type of extravagant spending on the part of the SABC is immoral and a slap in the face for all South Africans,’ says Greyling.   

The ID has submitted the following question to the Minister of Communications to obtain clarity on this delegation: 

Hon. L. Greyling to the Minister of Communications for oral reply: 

Is the SABC sending a delegation to the Beijing Olympics that comprises staff and board members who are not directly involved in the operational elements of broadcasting the Olympics to South Africa? If so, what is the purpose of such a delegation? What are the names and positions of such staff and board members on the delegation? What is the cost to the SABC of sending such a delegation to the Olympics? Is this expenditure justified in light of the fact that the SABC is budgeting for a substantial loss for this financial year? 
 

ENDS 

For media enquiries please call ID MP Lance Greyling on 083 298 8553