[WATCH] Mabuza: 'I didn't have a party, but I'm still surviving'
Deputy president David Mabuza has slammed the decision by the Free State government to spend R20 million on a farewell party for their former premier Ace Magashule.
He has left the post after being elected as the ANC's new Secretary General in December 2017.
Newly appointed Free State premier Sisi Ntombela was ushered in during the extravagant farewell bash held in Bloemfontein on Wednesday morning.
According to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the celebration came at a price tag of R20 million.
Public officials in Mangaung were also ordered to leave work and attend the party at the Free State Rugby Stadium.
Mabuza responded to a question by the EFF of a promise by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the misappropriation of public funds will be curbed.
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"Do you encourage such extravagant use of public money and if not what are you going to do the reprimand Ace Magashule and the provincial government?" asked EFF MP Delisiwe Ngwenya.
The Deputy President answered that government will enquire with Magashule on why the provincial government spent the money because "we don't have money, we have a lot of problems."
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"We will inquire what the rush about the party is. You can still do without a party. I am here, I didn't have a party at home but I am still surviving because we don't have money," said Mabuza.