Former president Thabo Mbeki’s travels to Sudan has cost taxpayers R20,5-million between April 2009 and October last year, the Sunday Times reported.
This included 11 chartered flights and excluded Mbeki’s trips so far this year.
Mbeki chaired a committee to investigate human rights violations in Darfur.
In an internal presidency memo, director general Cassius Lubisi complained about the costs of transporting Mbeki and suggested that the African Union should fund his trips.
“I will seek clarity on the responsibility of the AU in the funding of missions involving South African leaders,” Lubisi wrote in the memo, the newspaper reported.
‘Not sustainable’
“The current arrangement is not sustainable and will require some changes.” There were concerns about the escalating costs of Mbeki’s trips which surpassed those of President Jacob Zuma’s.
Department of defence spokesperson Ndivuhuwo Mabaya said Mbeki regularly used chartered flights for his trips to Sudan because of his entourage of about 15 people, which was sometimes beyond the capabilities of the air force’s planes.
As a former head of state Mbeki was flown by the SA Air Force, and other transport and accommodation costs were funded by the presidency budget.
Mbeki’s office had to request permission from the presidency before he took trips.
The government has indicated that it would limit Mbeki’s travels since his mission in Sudan was completed. – Sapa