R160 Million on Celebrations, But No Jobs: Gauteng’s Spending Draws Fire

Commemorative day spending under scrutiny as residents question priorities in a struggling economy

While young people across Soweto prepare to reflect on the sacrifices of the 1976 youth who stood up against apartheid oppression, a modern-day fight is brewing, this time, over government spending.

Just days ahead of the 49th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto Uprising, it’s been revealed that the Gauteng provincial government has spent almost R160 million on commemorative events over the past eight years. The figure has raised more than a few eyebrows in a province grappling with 34.4% unemployment and deepening socio-economic challenges.

What’s the money going towards?

According to Matome Chiloane, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the R160 million has gone towards events like Youth Day, Freedom Day, Women’s Day, Human Rights Day, and Heritage Day, among others. These aren’t just one-day occasions they often include concerts, catering, guest transport, marketing campaigns, and temporary infrastructure.

Top of the list is Heritage Day, which soaked up over R41.8 million, followed by Freedom Day at R34.8 million and Women’s Day at R33.5 million. Even Youth Day, a date specifically connected to the tragic and heroic events of 1976, has cost R21 million in this time frame.

The numbers came to light in a written response to a parliamentary question from Kingsol Chabalala, a Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL, who has slammed the spending as “lavish” and “misguided.”

Criticism: ‘Starving citizens and broken sports fields’

Chabalala didn’t mince his words. He accused the Gauteng government of spending “copious amounts of money on food and busing people to events” while youth unemployment soars and sports facilities decay.

“There are better ways to honour these historic days,” he argued, suggesting that R160 million could’ve been poured into building multi-purpose sports courts, swimming pools in townships, or even providing long-term support to local artists and athletes.

His most pointed criticism? That while commemorations are important, they shouldn’t come at the cost of real, lasting investment in the communities the days are meant to uplift.

Public reaction: Is it honour or excess?

On social media, Gauteng residents expressed mixed feelings. While some say commemorative events are vital for preserving cultural memory and inspiring the next generation, others echoed Chabalala’s concerns.

One Soweto resident posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Youth Day isn’t a party — it’s a painful memory. Spend the money giving our youth a real shot at the future.”

Another tweeted, “R160 million could’ve fixed so many school sports fields. We don’t need more concerts and food tents. We need opportunities.”

A deeper look: The cultural value vs economic reality

Commemorations like Youth Day are deeply symbolic, especially in places like Soweto where the legacy of resistance is woven into the streets. Events like wreath-laying at the Hector Pieterson Memorial remain important rituals of remembrance.

But the debate isn’t about whether to remember, it’s about how to do it responsibly.

It’s a dilemma many provinces face: How do you balance honouring the past with investing in the present? Can meaningful commemoration and cost-effective spending co-exist?

This year’s plan: Inspiration or repetition?

For Youth Day 2025, the Gauteng government is planning an “Inspiring Youth Expo” at Morris Isaacson High School — the very place where the 1976 march began. It aims to showcase opportunities for young people and connect them with services.

But critics remain sceptical. Will this year’s expo be different, or just another expensive stage with little impact?

The bigger question: Who’s being served?

With rising costs of living, limited job creation, and worsening infrastructure in many communities, residents are increasingly calling for government accountability. Celebrating milestones is not inherently wrong — but spending millions without a clear, long-term benefit? That’s where the real debate lies.

For many, it’s no longer enough to remember history. They want to see it respected through action, action that helps them build lives worthy of the legacy they’re honouring.

{Source: IOL}

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