EASTERN Cape politicians are adopting an austere, belt-tightening approach to celebrating Christmas this year, with most government departments claiming to have no money to throw parties for their staff.

The Legislature, however, managed to cough up R80000 for an end- of-year bash for employees this week. Legislature staff received Bafana Bafana shirts and members of the Legislature were given 2010 diaries and chocolate baskets.

But it seems Father Christmas and his bag of goodies will not be visiting any other Bhisho officials this year.

Some departments even said staff were paying for their own festive fun. Education Department spokesman Loyiso Pulumani said although the department had celebrated Christmas last year with “an official end-of-year function”, this would not be the case this year due to the “budgetary challenges of the recession”.

“There are no parties as far as I know, but I heard some people talking in the canteen about putting in R100 each for their own function. If people want to do something, it will be from their own pockets,” he said.

Social Development spokesman Gcobani Maswana said Christmas parties in the department were “long gone”. “The last time we had a Christmas party was in 2007 when we had a braai and gifts for high-performing employees,” he said.

“We are responding to the economic meltdown so the only gifts will be Christmas cards.”

According to spokesman Sizwe Kupelo, Health Department officials “understood” they would not be enjoying an end-of-year function.

“Last year, we had a lunch with officials and the MEC in Bhisho. It was a cost-effective affair at a departmental venue. This year, we don’t have the funds, but the staff understand we can’t afford parties when people out there need services.”

Instead, Kupelo said, he would be hosting a business-sponsored party for the children of his hometown, Libode, on Christmas Day.

“Last year 150 rural kids came, this year I am expecting 500. There will be gifts and jumping castles and we will slaughter five sheep.”

Agriculture and Rural Development spokesman Yvonne Matsheketwa said there was “no money” for a Christmas party, while Safety and Liaison Department spokesman Ncedo Kumbaca said some staff members had paid R50 for a lunch-hour “get-together” in the boardroom.

“The last time we had an end- of-year function was in 2007 when management had a lunch in East London, but now government cannot put money into parties.”

Economic Development and Environmental Affairs Department communications manager Sixolile Makaula said there would be a “low key” function to award retirees and officials who had served the department for many years with certificates. “It will not be a splash or a fully-fledged function because the budget is tight,” he said.

Housing Department officials fared a little better – they enjoyed a family day braai in East London this week, but pitched in for their food.

The Bhisho Legislature saw signs of festivity ahead of yesterday’s year-end closure, however. According to a staffer who declined to be named, MPLs enjoyed a three-course meal in the canteen after their final sitting for the year last week.

“They received chocolate and fruit baskets and diaries for next year.”

The Legislature also shelled out R80000 for a meal and gifts of Bafana Bafana shirts for its 225 employees.

Chief operations officer Phaki Hobongwana said:“It is the tradition of the Legislature, like any other employer, to thank employees for good work done.”