Head of the commission investigating the Marikana killings
"That was the cost estimate two weeks ago, but with the new developments it might increase," acting chief financial officer Johan Johnson said on the sidelines of the department's briefing on its annual report to Parliament's portfolio committee on justice.
"The family members must be able to attend. What will be the cost of the accommodation, fuel?"
Johnson said the department also believed the estimated R40-million budgeted for the judicial commission of inquiry into the arms deal could still increase.
"We expect an international component to the inquiry, it could move to foreign countries, and if there is litigation that will also increase the cost."
The department's current budget is R8.9-billion and it is set to receive annual growth of 5.9% to 4.6% over the next three years, while expected to fund above-inflation salary increases and operational cost hikes, as well as new services.
Implementation
The department listed a host of cost containment measures, including temporarily suspending some of its court infrastructure projects, postponing the expansion of the services, and delaying the implementation of legislation.
Against this background, Johnson said the cost of the commissions of inquiry would force it to further trim services unless national treasury increased its funding.
"If we don't have an increase [in budget] it may affect service delivery," he said.
Committee chairperson Luwellyn Landers said he was greatly concerned about the impact the additional expenditure would have on the justice department.
"It's absolutely unfair," he said. "Treasury must help them."
'Find the money'
Landers said the committee would consider raising the matter with the finance ministry.
African Christian Democratic Party MP Steve Swart said the burden should not automatically fall on the department.
"If the president announces a commission of inquiry, he must tell treasury to find the money. He cannot simply expect justice to pay."
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will announce his medium term budget allocation adjustments next week. – Sapa