Western Cape Premier Helen Zille’s 9-day trip to Asia cost South African taxpayers over R1 million – but it could have been much worse, the politician argued.<\/p>\n
The total bill for the trip amounted to R636,159 for travel and accommodation costs, and\u00a0R500,000 paid to Wesgro, which organised seminars during the trip.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Zille confirmed the amount, but pointed out that it wasn’t a fruitless trip, and wasn’t as costly as the ministerial handbook allowed it to be.<\/p>\n
She noted that it was the first trip in 8 years where her husband accompanied her (where the handbook allows such benefits for every trip), and that he was doing research.<\/p>\n
Zille also pointed out that she did not take her personal secretary, to save costs.<\/p>\n
“It means an average of R127,000 per person, all expenses included, which is within a reasonable ballpark for this kind of trip,” she said, adding that the future benefits were difficult to see, but would be apparent in time.<\/p>\n
The ANC said it would investigate, to find out what the exact outcomes of the trip were, and that no money exchanged hands illegally.<\/p>\n
You can read the full story in the May 7th edition of the Sunday Times<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n
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