Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hit back at claims of lavish spending, denying any misuse of state funds after his multimillion-rand international trips sparked public outcry.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Harambee Youth Engagement event in Johannesburg on Friday, Mashatile said his overseas visits are mission-driven and aligned with the demands of his office.
“When I travel for a state or working visit, I don’t need a room to sleep, I need a place to work that is what brings the costs.
“I need a presidential suite where I can be able to do my work with all the facilities,” he said.
Mashatile added that visiting major cities came with great costs in terms of transportation and accommodation.
He brushed off the idea that he misused the money for his trips abroad, saying the government has not complained about any of his expenses.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no complaint from Parliament and the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana]. The only complaint is from the media that I have heard,” he said.
“We are quite conscious that whatever we do, is not extravagant, we have to ensure that we use the resources but we travel in very expensive cities. We have to do our work and bring investors into the country.”
Mashatile’s expenses were uncovered by ActionSA, who complained about how state money was spent.
ActionSA revealed that ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have spent more than R200 million in travel expenses since assuming office last year.
According to the party, this painted a damning picture of executive indulgence at a time of deep economic crisis.
Politics
