Speaker, Cope is appalled that R183 million has been spent on 34 homes of luxury accommodation for the six new Ministries created in 2009. While the Ministers are living in full luxury at the expense of the taxpayer, the indigent are still without houses, education and infrastructure. We cannot allow this excessive, unnecessary spending to continue while we boost the biggest inequality gap in the world.
An average of R5,4 million was spent on each ministerial residence. With the cost of single residences worth R5,4 million, which is approximately 3% of the total amount spent on the 34 houses, government could have provided primary schooling for over 600 children. Government's priorities are clearly misguided when it comes to public spending. Government should heed the venerable Desmond Tutu's call to "respect the poor". Cope demands answers for the reasons behind the excessive spending. I thank you. [Applause.]