The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned what it termed the “disgraceful misuse of public funds” on Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential imbizo events, adding that it sets a “dangerous precedent” for other government ministries and institutions in the Government of National Unity to follow suit.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa pointed out that Ramaphosa's Presidential imbizos cost taxpayers a substantial R44-million for four events, over 18 months.

The events were held with the aim of addressing public service delivery concerns and to provide a platform for citizens to voice their complaints and suggestions.

The EFF said the events were a blatant squandering of taxpayer money and a “gross injustice” to South Africans.

The party said the ethically questionable expense is compounded by Ramaphosa’s “evident disinterest and lack of political will” to address the critical issues facing the country.

The EFF added that despite these events, Ramaphosa had shown no “intention of following through on concerns raised by the people”, saying this highlights a disconnect between the administration and the citizens the imbizo claims to serve.

The EFF also condemned the “outrageously inflated costs” of the marquees and other expenses being used to host the Imbizo events, noting that this was evidence of financial malfeasance.

The party said it would continue to hold the “corrupt administration” accountable and fight for the rightful allocation of public funds towards meaningful development and service delivery. 

The EFF in Parliament, meanwhile, decried severe budget cuts across all ministries and portfolios, highlighting that these “reckless reductions” have no clear strategy for addressing pressing issues or improving the economy.

It alleged that this “chaotic mismanagement” was yet further testament to the African National Congress’s “incompetence and corruption.”

Civil rights movement Not In My Name has called on Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka to investigate the R44-million spent on the Presidentialimbizos, also citing misuse of funds and improper procurement processes.