Spending on state of nation address expected to be less than R4m

PARLIAMENT has set aside R4-million for President Jacob Zuma's state of the nation address on Tuesday.

But deputy secretary to parliament Baby Tyawa said it was unlikely that the entire amount would be used because they had decided to cut the frills. Tyawa said there would not be a gala dinner at the expensive Cape Town International Convention Centre where all the dignitaries are often treated to a three-course meal and entertainment.

Instead MPs and other VIPs would only be entertained with a cocktail at several restaurants of parliament after Zuma had delivered his speech.

National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete said it was all systems go for the address, despite the institution's employees threatening not to assist in the arrangement unless their labour complaints were resolved.

Mbete, along with NCOP chairman Thandi Modise, said they were busy addressing staff concerns and would report back to their union Nehawu today.

The union is demanding the removal of parliament's executive director of human resources, Ntombekhaya Manyela, and has called for an investigation into "mismanagement and general corruption" at parliament. - Denise Williams