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Ministry denies ticket binge

Cape Town – The ministry of public service and administration on Friday denied spending R65 000 on tickets for the World Cup.

"News reports over the past two days have indicated that the department of public service and administration (DPSA) has purchased 2010 Soccer World Cup tickets to the tune of R65 000," a statement from the ministry said.

"The DPSA hereby puts it on record that the department has not and will not use public funds for the purchase of these items."

The statement said Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) regulations did not provide for "such expenses" and that the purchase of the tickets would not assist the ministry in responding to its mandate.

"The tickets in question have been purchased by Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems) which is one of the portfolio agencies which report to the minister for public service and administration."

"It is however crucial to note that Gems does not receive any funding from Parliament, is not regulated by the PFMA and is managed as a private entity."

"It is in this regard that the DPSA hereby dismisses reports on the use of public funds to purchase these tickets."

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