Commonwealth Games budget spiralling - Mbalula
Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula is starting to have
his doubts whether South Africa will be able to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Mbalula expressed his concerns when addressing the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Post-SONA cluster briefing in Parliament.
The Minister was asked questions relating to the country's
readiness to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the City of Ethikweni
(Durban).
South Africa undertook to host the Games in the absence of any other bidders, following the withdrawal of the Canadian city of Edmonton due to the very same realistic financial constraints.
Stopping short of raising his concerns about the spiralling costs which may well be way beyond the initial budget, the Minister reminded those in attendance about the ongoing talks between the South African government through the department of Sport and Recreation SA and the Commonwealth Games Federation ( CGF ).
"The South African government through cabinet and National Treasury approved the hosting of the games within its framework of fiscal consolidation," said Mbalula.
The Minister reiterated South Africa’s readiness to host the games 'within its available means'.
He did, however issue a veiled warning that if both parties (SRSA and CGA) fail to find common ground on cost cutting measures, the South African government will not host the games.
ALSO READ: Mbalula bans rugby, cricket from hosting major events due to lack of transformation