ActionSA slams DMR’s nearly R2m spend on overseas trips
In one instance, a single trip for the Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources - Gweded Mantashe - cost the taxpayers more than R170,000.
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe attends the African Energy Week in Cape Town. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger / Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA says the almost R2 million bill - in four months - for overseas travel by the Ministry of Minerals and Petroleum Resources highlights an ongoing culture of extravagance within government.
The Ministry, headed by Minister Gwede Mantashe, has apparently spent R1.9 million on flights and accommodation for officials and their support staff.
In one instance, a single trip for Mantashe cost the taxpayers more than R170,000.
In September, the minister reportedly spent R135,000 on accommodation for two nights.
ActionSA's Alan Beesley said while public accountability is essential, these figures highlight a disturbing continuation of old habits within government.
"As a country, we are facing huge fiscal constraints. On top of this, a vast portion of our population is facing daily hardships caused by extreme poverty, and as such the lavish lifestyle of the cabinet Ministers and their staff is totally unacceptable. Once again we see politicians putting themselves before the people they serve."