DSD Defends R3 Million Trip To UN Commission In New York Amid Cost Controversy

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has defended the R3 million it spent sending six officials and one civil society representative to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York in March.

Director-General Peter Netshipale told Parliament’s portfolio committee on Thursday that the high costs were largely due to the rand-dollar exchange rate and late travel arrangements.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Uncertainty Looms Over Madlanga Commission Resumption And Khumalo’s Return

“The rand-dollar exchange rate and late bookings contributed to the exorbitant cost of the travel,” Netshipale explained. He said the trip offered vital opportunities for bilateral meetings and international partnerships.

According to his report, the department spent R1 million on flight tickets and R1.3 million on accommodation for the week-long visit.

Minister Tolashe Addresses Suspension of Spokesperson

Minister Sisisi Tolashe also used the committee session to clarify claims surrounding the suspension of DSD spokesperson Lumka Oliphant.

Tolashe refuted suggestions that Oliphant had been suspended for alerting the media about the trip’s expenses. “Miss Oliphant’s precautionary suspension follows the report of the auditor-general, which flags some serious irregularities relating to the mismanagement of funds within the integrated justice system programme,” the minister stated.

Calls for Cost Control in Future International Engagements

Portfolio Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango acknowledged the value of attending the UN event but urged the department to take stronger measures to cut future travel costs.

“The committee does not dispute the value the department gleans from attending the annual event, but steps need to be taken to reduce costs in the future,” Masango said.

In response, Netshipale assured the committee that the DSD would scale down future delegations to ensure better financial management. “It’s a lesson for us to say how do we move to the next level in ensuring that we spend accordingly,” he said.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky