Questions are arising regarding the costs associated with the national celebration of South African Heritage Day being moved twice shortly before President Cyril Ramaphosa's appearance in Oudtshoorn on Thursday.
The event was initially planned to take place in KwaZulu-Natal but was then moved to George. Only on Monday did the Presidency announce that Ramaphosa would speak at the celebration at Rosemoor Stadium.
By Tuesday, George proved to be an unfeasible option, and the new venue became the Bongoletu sports field in Oudtshoorn.
Who will be responsible for the costs?
Benedicta van Minnen, the representative for Culture and Sport in the Western Cape, demanded that Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Geetone Mackenzie, and his department provide explanations regarding the expenses incurred during the relocation of the national ceremony and the consultations held.
No amount of money spent on changing venues has been publicly disclosed. The Western Cape government stated that it only learned about the postponement of the national holiday to the province on Saturday, September 19, 2026, leaving authorities with only five days to prepare before Heritage Day. It also questioned what happened to the preparations and expenses already incurred in KwaZulu-Natal, and why provincial and local authorities were not properly consulted.
Municipality could not assist
Mackenzie's department reported that the move from KwaZulu-Natal occurred after discussions with King Misuzulu kaZwelitini and the provincial government. The decision was made to provide the annual Umkhosi Welembe celebration with its own venue.
Subsequently, the department considered the option of George but stated that the municipality and provincial government were 'incapable and unwilling' to take the necessary measures in such a short timeframe. The Western Cape government disputes this characterization, arguing that an event of this magnitude requires planning concerning security, infrastructure, municipal services, and personnel. Oudtshoorn subsequently accepted the event despite receiving even less notice. On Thursday, up to 5000 people can attend the Bongoletu sports field, where Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address.