Ntshavheni defends high costs of presidential imbizos, says they're vital for govt to engage with citizens

CAPE TOWN - Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has defended presidential imbizos despite the high costs associated with the government programme.

This follows revelations that the events have cost taxpayers R44 million for four imbizos held over an 18-month period.

But Ntshavheni said that the imbizos were an important interface where government could interact directly with communities to address service delivery.

The minister was addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

Government has been defending the presidential interactions since the expenditure was revealed by COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa earlier in August.

Ntshavheni said imbizos were also about getting a commitment from government, using Eskom as an example.

"Previously, when you were here, you committed to do the following so that load reduction can stop, but to date, you have not done your part and therefore Eskom cannot meet you halfway. So, that’s part of building a relationship between government and its people and you can never put a cost to that."

Ntshavheni said imbizos would continue because they’re an important part of the country’s democracy and government’s engagement with citizens.