/ 16 August 2008

Millions wasted on SA Olympic marketing centre

Sport and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile has asked his staff to explain why a hospitality and marketing centre in Beijing has not been operational, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported on Friday.

The Ikhaya centre at one of the newest and trendiest hotels in Beijing was supposed to have opened 10 days ago.

With a budget of R15-million, it was to have showcased the country and the 2010 Soccer World Cup throughout the Games.

Sport department spokesperson Manase Makwela confirmed the centre was not occupied.

The Ikhaya Centre was also supposed to be operational during the upcoming Paralympics.

The SABC said the department has admitted that millions of rands of taxpayers’ money have been wasted. — Sapa