R210m spent on VIP flights

14 June 2012

FLYING President Jacob Zuma and his deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe, to their various engagements since the pair assumed office has cost taxpayers more than R210- million, former defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu has revealed.

In written responses to two parliamentary questions yesterday, she said Zuma and Motlanthe had used a total of 499 SA Air Force flights.

These included aircraft operated by the SAAF’s 21 (VIP) Squadron and its Reserve Squadron, as well as flights chartered by the SAAF.

Of the 499 flights, Zuma used 286 at a cost of R140.5-million, while Motlanthe used 213 at a cost of R69.7-million.

Sisulu, who on Tuesday was shifted by Zuma from defence to take over as public service and administration minister, said the figures were for the period 2009/10 to date.

According to the replies, a total of 53 flights were chartered for the two men by the SAAF. – Sapa

Reader's Comments

Report Abuse Author: Bokkie Date: 14 June 2012 10:57

That is just ridigulous. What does Zuma ever put back that he takes from the taxpayers? Nothing SA is still falling apart with crime, no services, no jobs, no houses, just EMPTY PROMISES and yet we have to pay for them to jet set.

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