South African ministers spend over R200 million on travel in a time of crisis

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.
"A DISTURBING pattern of unchecked luxury", is what ActionSA accused the ministers in the Government of National Unity for having spent over R200 million on travel since stepping into office a year ago.
The party was reacting to supposed spurge of the government officials in question, having considered data provided by the party's GNU Performance Tracker, based on replies to parliamentary questions.
The questions were posed to all ministers - including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who emerged as the big hitters.
"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.