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R3m New York Trip: How Social Development Tried to Justify the Cost
The trip that sparked outrage
When it emerged that South Africa’s Department of Social Development spent just over R3 million on a trip to New York, many citizens were furious. In a country where millions struggle to survive, the price tag felt like a slap in the face.
This week, the department defended its decision before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, insisting the trip to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was not wasteful but an investment in the country’s global role on gender equality.
Breaking down the millions
Seven officials attended the two-week conference. The department’s report showed costs of R1.09 million for flights, R1.33 million for accommodation, R423,964 for local transfers, R159,065 for allowances, and R5,536 for insurance.
Deputy Director-General Sizakele Magangoe’s expenses drew the most criticism: R178,892 for her ticket, R388,833 for hotel accommodation, R419,464 on transfers, and a R40,196 allowance. Reports confirmed the delegation stayed at the five-star St Regis in Manhattan, where rooms come with butler service and can cost more than R100,000 a night.
The department stressed that some costs, like transport, were consolidated under Magangoe’s name because her division handled the bookings.
Why the department says it was worth it
Officials argued that the trip built on years of policy influence achieved through CSW. South Africa previously secured recognition of unpaid care work, advanced global commitments against gender-based violence, and helped bring nearly €30 million in funding through the UN Women Spotlight Initiative.
The delegation also promoted the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, showcased South Africa’s gender-responsive budgeting, and secured international partnerships. Former UN Women leader Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka’s appointment, they added, was supported by the country’s active presence at CSW.
Dollars, diplomacy and perspective
The department pointed out that the R3 million cost equated to about $150,000, relatively modest by international standards. It argued that engaging multiple nations at one forum was far more efficient than arranging separate bilateral visits, which would have cost much more.
Critics, however, say the choice of luxury accommodation and the size of the delegation were tone-deaf in the middle of South Africa’s economic crisis.
Promises of accountability
Facing public anger, the department committed to new controls. These include publishing future UN reports online, tracking funding and partnerships gained, and reporting results in annual statements.
Officials insisted that pulling out of CSW would have been “far costlier” for the women and girls of South Africa, undermining leadership at a time when global debates increasingly link gender equality with climate change, digital access, and economic justice.
Wider context of government travel
The Social Development Department was not the only one to spend big on the UN conference. The Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities budgeted R2 million, and the Department of Higher Education spent R1.6 million.
Still, it is Social Development that has faced the strongest backlash, largely because of its direct link to vulnerable communities. Whether the public accepts the argument that this was an “investment” remains an open question.
Also read: Malema Exposed: New Book Reveals R21.6 Million Property Empire Hidden from Parliament
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: DSDnews
