DA to probe Zuma's Russian retreat

26 August 2014

Today, I will submit Parliamentary questions to the Presidency, requesting details behind the President's supposed "trade visit" to Russia. 

Strangely, the President has neglected to invite any ministers within the economics cluster - surely even the Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, could have availed himself for trade talks with Russia.

Instead, the President has appointed State Security Minister, David Mahlobo, and International Relations and Co-operation Deputy Minister, Nomaindia Mfeketo, as his chosen aides at the talks - both of whom have no evident trade expertise. 

Indeed, there are very serious questions over this six-day long visit to Moscow, which is said to also include "rest periods" for the President at taxpayer's expense.

It is unclear why talks could not be scheduled as to allow the President sufficient rest, within the boundary of South Africa and at significantly reduced cost, before implementing what is essentially a state funded vacation.  

It is made even more curious given the pending R1 trillion nuclear build project, and reports that the ANC's fundraising initiative the Progressive Business Forum also undertook a visit to Russia last year, which was followed by a draft agreement that would have essentially given Russia veto power over any other country wanting to do business with South Africa in the nuclear field. 

The DA will seek full disclosure from the President on the following key matters: 

What were the reasons for not including any members of the economics cluster within the talks; 

What was the nature of the content discussed during his visit; 

What agreements and or resolutions, if any, were reached by the parties;

Was the nuclear build project specifically discussed;

How much taxpayer's money was spent on financing the visit;

How much taxpayer's money was specifically spent on the "rest" component of this visit, and where was it spent; and 

What measures were taken to mitigate costs during the visit. 

South Africans require greater transparency from the President and as such, details must be provided as to how this visit benefits millions of South Africans who struggle without jobs. 

We will eagerly await the President's response in Parliament so that we can get to the bottom of this retreat.

Statement issued by Sejamothopo Motau MP, DA Shadow Minister in the Presidency, August 26 2014

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