---
title: "Watch – Department of Social Development defends R3m New York trip as 'modest'"
description: "Earlier this year, the Department of Social Development spent R3-million of taxpayers' money on a trip to New York for seven officials. Now, the department has told Parliament that this price tag was 'actually modest'. Daily Maverick's Rebecca Davis explains."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Rebecca Davis"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/rebeccadavis-2-2/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-10-19-watch-department-of-social-development-defends-r3m-new-york-trip-as-modest/"
published: "2025-10-19T19:13:40"
updated: "2025-10-19T19:13:43"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 46
---

# Watch – Department of Social Development defends R3m New York trip as 'modest'

> Earlier this year, the Department of Social Development spent R3-million of taxpayers' money on a trip to New York for seven officials. Now, the department has told Parliament that this price tag was 'actually modest'. Daily Maverick's Rebecca Davis explains.

By Rebecca Davis · Published 19 October 2025, 21:13 SAST · Updated 19 October 2025, 21:13 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where news feels more like a soap opera, Rebecca Davis dives into the latest episode of political drama, leaving us wondering if the plot twists are scripted or just a reflection of reality's absurdity.
- Rebecca Davis reports on critical issues impacting democracy in South Africa.
- The video features insights from various contributors, including Bernard Kotze and Joel Seboa.
- Emilie Gambade leads the production, with creative input from Malibongwe Tyilo.
- Support independent journalism by becoming a Maverick Insider today.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_buDo-VdoGg)

**Reporting by:** Rebecca Davis
**Edited by:** Joel Seboa
**Filmed by:** Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa
**Produced by:** Emilie Gambade
**Creative input:** Malibongwe Tyilo
**Sub-edited by:** Robyn Leary

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider [here.](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/?utm_campaign=plm_heres_why&utm_medium=article&utm_source=dm_website)
Subscribe to [Daily Maverick YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@DailyMaverickSA): @dailymaverickchannel. **DM**