Public footed bill for Motshekga’s ANC conference accommodation

8 November 2015

New evidence reveals the public paid for Minster Angie Motshekga’s hotel accommodation at the ANC conference in Mangaung.

According to a reply to a parliamentary question, Minister Motshekga used R44 175 of her ministerial budget to stay at the Tsogo Sun in Bloemfontein from the 14-20 December 2012. 

The ANC conference in Mangaung (Bloemfontein) took place over the same time from 15-20 December 2012. We know that Minister Motshekga was a delegate at the ANC’s conference because her name is featured on the conference programme. 

In her reply to the parliamentary question, Minister Motshekga attempts to hide that she was in Bloemfontein on party business, citing “official meetings” as the reason for her visit to Bloemfontein. No mention is made of the ANC conference.

This dishonesty is unacceptable, especially in a reply to parliamentary question. If only Minister Motshekga was as economical with public money as she is with the truth.

I have today written to Minister Motshekga to request an explanation for what looks like a blatant attempt to mislead Parliament. In particular, we call on her to explain:

1. Why she used the ministerial budget to pay for her own private accommodation at a party conference;

2. On what basis attendance at a party conference can be considered attendance at “official meetings”; and

3. Which section of the Ministerial Handbook condones the use of public money for party business

If Minister Motshekga can defend using public money for party business, then she must do so. She must not pretend she was in Bloemfontein on official business when she was clearly there for the ANC conference.

Issued by Gavin Davis, Shadow Minister of Basic Education, DA, 8 December 2015