Deputy Speaker, when the hon Dexter was moving towards the microphone we were under the impression that he was going to inform us of the latest developments in his political party. [Interjections.] However, I'm sure he will keep us posted.
Deputy Speaker, very often here in the House we are told how well the City of Cape Town is run. We are told how there are no tender irregularities, no corruption, no financial mismanagement under their watch, and also how the city is an example of how a city should be governed. However, reports we received earlier suggest that the DA is wasting half a billion rand of taxpayer's money on consultants in the city to advise them.
While we acknowledge that the DA needs all the advice they can get on democratic practices, these contractors are not worth the money that is being spent on them. What makes this expenditure more alarming is the fact that almost half of the money is being spent on consultants without public tender.
One of the DA's self-appointed contractors was paid R20 million to advise the municipality on the Integrated Rapid Transport System. The self- appointed contractor ended up costing the DA an extra R80 million in unforeseen expenses, after erroneously saying that the city wasn't liable for VAT.
Another company was then roped in to advise the city following the VAT blunder and was paid an additional R1,9 million; again without tender. They are among several companies hired by this DA-led City of Cape Town that have cost the city almost half a billion rand. Of this figure, R241 million has not been put out to tender. The DA must practise what they preach. [Applause.]