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.

According to IOL’s findings, a four-night stay at some of Tokyo’s most luxurious hotels can cost the following:

• Park Hyatt Tokyo: Rates range from $1,824 to $4,096 (R32,436 – R72,704) for four nights. Room options include a Deluxe Room at $1,844 (R32,726), a Standard Room at $4,104 (R72,846), and a King Room at $3,432 (R60,918) for four nights.

• Hoshinoya Tokyo: Stays range from $782 to $7,884 (R13,877 – R139,491)for four nights. The average cost is around $7,356 (R130,089), with high-season rates reaching $31,536 (R559,764) for four nights.

• Aman Tokyo: Prices range from $6,070 to $24,620 (R107,743 – R437,005) for four nights. The Tokyo Suite is $6,920 (R122,830) and the Grand/Panorama Suites are $13,128 (R232,022) for four nights.

• The Peninsula Tokyo: Room rates range from $1,112 to $2,204 (R19,742 – R39,131) for four nights. High-end suites include the Grand Premier Suite at $6,400 (R113,600), and the Executive Suite at $5,308 (R94,717) for four nights.

• Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: Stays cost between $2,200 and $4,800 (R39,050 – R85,200) for four nights, including options like the Deluxe Room at $2,204 (R39,131) and the Premier Room at $2,788 (R49,487)for four nights.IOL found that spending four nights at Hoshinoya and Aman Tokyo would cost close to R669,255 and R699,025, respectively.

IOL was unable to ascertain exactly which hotel the deputy president stayed at and whether there were any additional levies such as tourism levies that could add to the cost of the hotel stay.

This financial context is critical in the face of public scrutiny surrounding Mashatile’s travel expenses.

In a statement, his spokesperson Keith Khoza strongly refuted claims of extravagance, stating: “Categorically, the Office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel.”

The issue was raised by ActionSA through a parliamentary question. Mashatile responded with a detailed cost breakdown for each delegation member. According to Khoza, the trips were official government visits, not personal holidays.

The Japan trip, conducted from 16 to 19 March 2025, was described as strategically important – the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade and linked to South Africa’s G20 chairship and the upcoming TICAD summit.

The delegation included ministers and deputy ministers from International Relations, Sport, Higher Education, Agriculture, Trade, and Science and Innovation.

Responding to media reports, Khoza said come media had incorrectly reported the cost of a media liaison officer at R580,582, when in fact the total cost for that official was under R66,000, including flights and accommodation.

Khoza said international travel costs should be assessed within the context of exchange rates and global norms, noting that travel arrangements are handled by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), not Mashatile’s office.

“Accommodation and incidental expenses of the President and Deputy President on all official journeys abroad are arranged through, and paid for by, Dirco,” Khoza said.

He confirmed that expenses were shared between Dirco and other departments, with all trips conducted in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, the Presidential Handbook, and National Treasury regulations.

“In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations, and has therefore not misused nor extravagantly used State funds as alluded,” Khoza said.

IOL Politics

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