NFP adds voice to criticism of proposed R1bn Spurs deal

THE National Freedom Party (NFP) has vigorously denounced the proposed R1 billion sponsorship deal between SA Tourism and English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur indicating that the money could be better used to benefit local sport and address other pressing needs in the country.

The party said in a time of economic uncertainty and strain, it was essential that all expenditures are thoroughly evaluated to ensure that they were necessary and justifiable.

It also remarks on the revelations linking SA Tourism’s interim CFO Johan van der Walt to the agency identified in the controversial proposal.

The revelation reeks of possible corruption, it said.

“While we support innovative initiatives to attract tourism to South Africa, the controversy regarding the link between the CFO and the agency suggests something untoward has taken place.

“At a time when South Africa is facing multiple socio-economic challenges, it is unacceptable for a government entity to allocate such a large sum of money towards a foreign sponsorship. Our country needs that money for more pressing issues and for the betterment of our people,” said NFP leader in Parliament, Ahmed Munzoor Shaik Emam.

The NFP has further questioned whether the deal has been based on research, which illustrates that such branding and marketing activities have yielded a return on investment.