R900,000 for four nights? IOL crunches the numbers on Mashatile's Tokyo accomodation

IOL News

12-06-2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile's trip to Japan trip has sparked debate over the R900,000 accommodation costs which has drawn scrutiny amid rising concerns over government travel spending.
Ministers in South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) have spent more than R200 million on travel since taking office last year, according to figures released by ActionSA.
The data, compiled through the party's GNU Performance Tracker, is based on replies to parliamentary questions posed to all ministers - including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
"This paints a damning picture of executive indulgence at a time of deep economic crisis,' ActionSA said in a statement, calling the trend 'a disturbing pattern of unchecked luxury and weak oversight.'
At the centre of the controversy is Mashatile, whose office confirmed spending over R2 million on transport and accommodation for official duties. Four international trips undertaken on behalf of Ramaphosa have cost the state more than R7.9 million, including visits to Ireland, the UK, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Japan.
One trip, a four-night visit to Tokyo in March 2025, drew particular criticism after it was revealed that accommodation alone cost more than R900,000 - approximately R225 000 a day.
McKenzie and his department have spent around R6.6 million on international travel, including a R164,556 payment for a cancelled trip to Burkina Faso, raising questions about financial oversight.
Amid ongoing public debate, IOL News compiled a detailed breakdown of luxury hotel costs in Tokyo.
While the R900,000 figure raised eyebrows, analysis suggests such expenses are possible in one of the world's most expensive cities, especially when top-tier hotels and executive suites are involved.
However, the costs have fuelled public concern over whether officials are appropriately balancing international representation with fiscal responsibility.