The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has refuted claims by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that it had shown a ”drastic increase” in spending from 2007 to 2008.
Department spokesperson, Zolile Nqayi, said: ”DA claims that our travel, accommodation and food spending had increased over the 2007/2008 period.”
”It is clearly indicated that while the 2007 figure applied to department officials only, the 2008 figure included not only the Justice Department but also the National Prosecuting Authority, judges and magistrates.” he said.
However, the DA said in its statement: ”This is not to suggest that there are not reasonable explanations for the increases.”
The party did not attempt to clarify or ascertain an explanation from the department prior to releasing the ”so-called” percentage increases, said Nqayi.
The department, said Nqayi, had responded to Finance Minister Manuel’s request to reduce expenditure.
”We have introduced cost curtailment measures that include advanced planning and reduced budget provisions for travelling without impacting on departmental operations or performance,” he said. – Sapa