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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Mashatile spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip
Mashatile confirmed that he undertook four official international trips, costing approximately R7.9m since July 2024. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has disclosed that he spent R2.3 million on a single working visit to Japan in March 2025, with expenses including flights, accommodation, ground transport, restaurant services, and laundry costs. This latest revelation adds to previous travel expenditure totalling over R5.5 million since taking office in July 2024. The revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from ActionSA MP Lerato Mikateko Ngobeni, who requested a complete breakdown of all official travel undertaken by Mashatile since assuming office on 3 July 2024. Four international trips with combined costs exceeding R7.9m Mashatile confirmed that he undertook four official international trips since the specified dates. These included: Working visits to Ireland and the United Kingdom in September and October 2024, Representing President Cyril Ramaphosa at the inauguration of Botswana's President Duma Boko in November 2024, Attending an extraordinary SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, also in November 2024, and A recent working visit to Japan in March 2025. The Ireland and UK working visits cost R5 475 829.03, while the Botswana inauguration cost R52 867.58 and the Zimbabwe SADC Summit cost R56 166.20. The latest Japan trip alone cost R2 319 138.19, bringing the total expenditure for all four trips to approximately R7 903 901. While comprehensive details were previously provided for the first three trips in February 2025, Mashatile's latest parliamentary response focused specifically on the Japan working visit, which took place from 16 to 19 March 2025. ALSO READ: Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost Importance of Mashatile's Japan visit The deputy president emphasised the strategic significance of the Japan trip, describing it as focused on 'strengthening political, economic and social areas of cooperation between the two countries.' The visit coincided with the celebration of 115 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Japan. In his parliamentary response, Mashatile stated that he was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Higher Education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina. Economic focus and business engagements Mashatile highlighted Japan's position as South Africa's fourth-largest trading partner as a key motivation for the visit. He noted that 'many Japanese companies have expanded investment plans in the pipeline in South Africa, thereby having assured the South African Government of Japan's trust and support in its economic policies.' During the working visit, Mashatile and his delegation engaged with Japan's business community across various sectors including manufacturing and machinery, mining and mineral beneficiation, energy cooperation, the automotive industry, and greater market access for South African agricultural products. According to the deputy president, key engagements included a visit to the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant Service, meetings with Dr Akhiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and discussions with the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League. The delegation also met with representatives from the Japanese business community, including the Japan External Trade Organisation, the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security, Keidanren, and the Association of the African Economy and Development in Japan Committee. ALSO READ: Mashatile's Japan trip hailed as 'strategic' amid US trade tensions High-level political meetings The visit marked 'the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in the last 10 years,' according to Mashatile. He met with Prime Minister Ishiba and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi 'with the objective to foster closer political collaboration.' Mashatile also delivered a keynote address at the United Nations University under the theme 'South Africa's G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability – a conversation with Japan.' Detailed cost breakdown for Mashatile's Japan trip The comprehensive cost breakdown for the Japan trip revealed expenses totaling R2,319,138.19. Flight costs amounted to R613,214.92 for the delegation, while accommodation expenses reached R1,235,569.73. Ground transport costs totalled R410,926.94. Additional expenses included R8,033.50 for laundry services and R51,393.10 for restaurant services covering food and beverages. Previous travel expenses dwarf Japan costs The Japan trip, while expensive, was not Mashatile's costliest international travel during the period in question. The Ireland and UK working visits in September and October 2024 cost significantly more at R5,475,829.03, with accommodation in London alone costing over R3.2 million. The two regional trips to Botswana and Zimbabwe were comparatively modest at R52,867.58 and R56,166.20 respectively, partly because the deputy president was transported by the South African Air Force for these shorter trips. Delegation composition and individual costs Mashatile's spouse, Humile Mashatile, accompanied the delegation and 'participated in the Spousal Programme,' with her flight costs listed at R117,518.08 and ground transport at R73,592.80. Mashatile's own expenses included R117,518.08 for flights, R956,057.00 for accommodation, and R77,360.32 for ground transport. Senior staff members accompanied the Deputy President, including Deputy Director-General Mduduzi Mbada, Political Advisor and Acting Spokesperson Keith Khoza, Acting Head of Communications Itumeleng Mafatshe, and various administrative and protocol support staff. Each staff member's role was clearly defined, from providing strategic and advisory support to handling communication, administrative duties, and protocol requirements. G20 and African agenda alignment Mashatile noted that the timing of the visit aligned strategically with South Africa's G20 Presidency and Japan's hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in August. This confluence presented 'a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its position and priorities for the continent to Japan and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.' NOW READ: Starlink proposal: Mashatile says Cabinet holds final say on policy changes
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
‘No arrests, no justice': Intercape slams police inaction amid ongoing violence
Intercape said more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion Image: Supplied Long-distance bus company Intercape appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Police, urging Parliament to intervene as police continue to fail in addressing a wave of violence and intimidation directed at the company. The Committee, chaired by DA MP Ian Cameron, heard evidence detailing the severity of the crisis, including more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion. Despite the volume and seriousness of these cases, Intercape said no arrests had been made and no prosecutions followed. Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC told the Committee that the police's response had been 'a failure… in its statutory and constitutional duties,' even in the face of repeated court orders. Senior police officials claimed for the first time that 11 arrests had been made. However, Hofmeyr stated that this had not been reported to the courts or Intercape, as legally required. Intercape said it has spent more than R420,000 on medical costs for injured passengers, lost over R30 million in revenue due to suspended services, paid R3 million for private security, and R5.5 million for coach repairs. The company, founded in 1971, has faced various conflicts over the years, some dating back as far as 2016. CEO Johann Ferreira said tensions escalated sharply when the taxi industry began questioning the validity of Intercape's bus permits. Once investigations confirmed no irregularities, Ferreira said the situation evolved into 'a new level of warfare.' 'This escalated to stone throwings and shootings,' Ferreira said. 'They assaulted the drivers and passengers, stopping buses at the bus stations in the Eastern Cape and pulling passengers from the buses, armed with guns. It escalated to a point where a driver was murdered. Many passengers were injured. The drivers were injured. Passengers were traumatised.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ferreira expressed deep concern over the lack of arrests despite 200 pending cases. 'This is a blatant case of contempt of court and is being committed by a government which undertook a sworn oath of office to uphold the Constitution,' he said. After the briefing, Committee Chair Ian Cameron criticised the investigation's handling. 'With regards to the violence against the bus industry, it was shocking to see the lack of resolve or the lack of enthusiasm or urgency to attack the problem and solve the issue,' he said. 'They could have been much further with this, but they can't at the moment indicate the arrest of any kingpin even, which tells me that from the foundation phases of this investigation, they did it in the wrong way.' He added, 'Either there's a lack of will, a deliberate disregard for the problem, or just incompetence.' Cameron did acknowledge the practical limitations of police resources: 'I agree with SAPS in the way that they can't patrol or escort every single bus. That's not possible.' However, he argued this doesn't excuse the failure to run intelligence-driven investigations. 'Through solid, organised crime, intelligence-driven operation, prosecution-led investigation, they could have been much further with this.' Cameron supports the idea of a public hearing into the police's handling of the matter but noted the risks. 'It's easier to engage with large companies, but on the ground, people are scared. Some have been killed. The threats are real.'
Eyewitness News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Budget 3.0: National Treasury slashes funds for early retirement programme
JOHANNESBURG - National Treasury has slashed funds allocated to reintroduce the early retirement programme, cutting it down by half. A whooping R11 billion was set aside during the March budget to entice public servants into early retirement as the government tries to scale down on its enormous Public Sector Wage Bill. The incentive for a voluntary exit is also set to rejuvenate the public service while retaining critical skills and promoting the entry of younger talent. READ IN FULL: The Budget Speech - 21 May 2025 While the plan is still in place, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the money set aside for the early retirement programme has been revised to R5.5 billion for two years. Godongwana delivered another budget at the national assembly on Wednesday, after two failed attempts earlier this year. 'This budget also retains the provisional allocations for early retirement, allocations for PRASA [Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] and the municipal trading entity reforms announced before, but at a slightly lower level than anticipated in the March 12 budget.'
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Treasury slashes early retirement costs
Revised down from R11bn estimated in the 2024 MTBPS to R5.5bn across 2025/26 and 2026/27. The early retirement programme aims to rationalise and rejuvenate the public service while retaining critical skills and promoting the entry of younger talent. Picture Shutterstock The allocation for the early retirement programme has been revised down from R11 billion estimated in the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement to R5.5 billion across 2025/26 and 2026/27. 'This budget also retains the provisional allocations for early retirement, allocations for Prasa and the municipal trading entity reforms announced before, but at a slightly lower level than anticipated in the March 12 budget,' says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his speech. Re-introduced last year, the incentive aims to rationalise and rejuvenate the public service while retaining critical skills and promoting the entry of younger talent. In 2019 there was a similar offer, but it didn't solve the problem. ALSO READ: Budget 3.0: not austerity budget, but a redistributive budget 'This initiative is expected to motivate 15 000 public service employees to apply for early retirement in 2025/26 and 2026/27, with R5.5 billion allocated to support the programme', says National Treasury Director-General Dr Duncan Pieterse. Initially, at R11 billion, the early retirement was to extend to 30 000 employees and translate to a R2 billion year cost saving. 'We halved the provision and so halved the number of employees who will benefit,' says Pieterse at a media briefing before Godongwana delivered his speech. Early retirement costs will come up to R5.5 billion for the two years. The government will spend R2.2 billion in the first year of implementation and then proceed to spend R3.3 billion in 2026/27. 'The March 2025 Budget Review provides details on key fiscal reforms, including a longer-term fiscal anchor and the reactivation of early retirement without penalties to support a sustainable public-service wage bill. These reforms are in progress,' says Pieterse. ALSO READ: Godongwana cuts government spending to offset VAT shortfall Hefty public wage bill The public sector wage bill has weighed heavily on the fiscus for years, and attempts to rein it in have been largely unsuccessful. Moneyweb reported that SA's wage bill breached R700 billion in 2023. Tabling the budget for the 2023/2024 financial year, Godongwana said he expects compensation for workers in the employ of the public service to reach R701.2 billion, surpassing a level he once thought would be reached in 2025. In 2019, former finance minister Tito Mboweni introduced a public sector salary freeze for three years in an effort to control the ballooning wages. But in the 2023/24 financial year, public service wages increased. Pieterse noted discussions with organised labour on the process for people to apply for early retirement are underway in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC). 'The allocation will be revisited on the conclusion of these consultations as part of the next budget process, although functions that are not parties to the PSCBC process – such as the Department of Defence – can proceed with implementation,' he says. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The South African
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs flop could go to FIFA World Cup 2026
When international breaks come around, most Kaizer Chiefs stars stay at Naturena twiddling their thumbs. Not this guy, though, who could be going to the World Cup in 2026. After a R5.5 million move from TS Galaxy, big things were expected from Fiacre Ntwari in between the sticks for Chiefs. He started well, but injuries and a loss of form have seen him fall down the pecking order at Naturena under manager Nasreddine Nabi. Despite his struggles at club level, Ntwari has been a regular for his country during World Cup qualifiers. Ironically, Ntwari's Rwanda are in Group C of qualifiers alongside South Africa. They're sitting relatively pretty with eight points after six outings. It's not out of the question that both nations could qualify for the 2026 showpiece staged in Mexico, Canada and the United States. 'I trust the coaches at Chiefs, and I hope between now and June, he's going to get his chance to play again because we need him for the rest of the qualifiers.' 'He was good. I thought the lack of game time would affect him, but he was good. You can see his teammates trust him, and I also trust him. I have a lot of confidence in him because of his qualities. He's also an incredible person to work with. He's a hard worker, and the players love him. People love him in Rwanda.' Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
