By Thabo Mosia
Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, is facing significant backlash for his upcoming trip to Egypt, costing taxpayers an estimated R700,000. Approved by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, this expense has raised questions about spending priorities in a province already grappling with financial constraints. Head of Department (HOD) Mosa Masimene had previously warned about the budgetary strain on the department, sparking debate over whether this expenditure aligns with fiscal responsibility.
Background on the Trip and its Purpose
Mokoena’s trip, scheduled from this Saturday until November 10, is meant for him and three officials to attend the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF) in Cairo, Egypt. The forum, established by the United Nations, focuses on rapid urbanisation, sustainable city planning, and the impact of urban growth on economies, communities, and climate change. South Africa will be represented by other high-ranking officials, including Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi, academia, and civil society organisations.
While the event itself aligns with Mokoena’s portfolio in human settlements and governance, it is the cost and nature of the trip arrangements that have raised eyebrows. The travel package, organised by Hambo Lwethu Travel, includes business-class flights on Emirates, premium hotel accommodations, and daily allowances for Mokoena and his entourage. In addition to the MEC, the attendees include Carol Tlali, Chief of Staff in Mokoena’s office; Zimasa Mbewu, spokesperson for COGTA and Human Settlements; and Lindelwa Dabi, Assistant Director from the Free State Premier’s Office.
Budget Warnings Ignored
On October 10, HOD Mosa Masimene addressed a letter to MEC Mokoena, expressing concerns about the financial burden the trip would place on the department. Masimene’s memo outlined the department’s ongoing budget issues, largely due to pre-existing contracts that limit financial flexibility. She cautioned that such an expenditure, particularly one that had not been budgeted for in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, could be classified as “fruitless and wasteful” by the provincial treasury, potentially impacting future audit outcomes and raising questions about the department’s fiscal discipline.
Masimene explained that the department had already submitted a virement request to provincial treasury to cover potential unauthorised expenditures, highlighting that there were limited resources available for unexpected costs. Despite her warnings, the request for Mokoena’s trip was approved by Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s office. This decision has been criticised as fiscally irresponsible, given the financial strain already burdening the department.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
The costs associated with Mokoena’s trip paint a picture of high-end travel arrangements that many see as excessive. According to the memorandum, the total amount allocated for this eight-day trip is estimated at R724,639.36. The breakdown includes:
• Business-class flights: Approximately R360,000 for four tickets from Johannesburg to Cairo via Dubai.
• Accommodation: An estimated R240,000 for an eight-night stay for four individuals.
• Ground transport: R80,000, allocated at R10,000 per person.
• Daily subsistence allowances: Nearly R45,000, equating to R1,394 per person per day.One internal recommendation suggested that only Mokoena should attend the event to reduce costs, but this recommendation was not adopted. While Masimene ultimately declined to participate in the trip due to the department’s financial situation, her concerns about the strain on resources appear to have been disregarded.
Public Outcry Over Spending Priorities
The decision to spend over R700,000 on an international trip has sparked public criticism, with many citizens and civil society organisations questioning the government’s spending priorities. The Free State has been dealing with multiple budgetary challenges, impacting service delivery in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For many, the funds allocated to Mokoena’s trip represent an avoidable expense that could have been better spent on addressing local issues.
Critics argue that while international engagement and knowledge exchange are valuable, such trips should be approached with fiscal prudence, particularly when departments face financial constraints. The optics of high-end travel for government officials during a period of economic difficulty have only fuelled public anger. Citizens are calling for greater accountability and a reassessment of what constitutes necessary government expenditure, especially when it involves taxpayer money.
The Role of Media and the Leakage of Internal Documents
Adding another dimension to the controversy, media reports on the leaked internal documents detailing the trip arrangements have intensified scrutiny on Mokoena. The leak prompted a swift response from Zimasa Mbewu, spokesperson for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements, who condemned the publication of confidential documents. According to Mbewu, the release of such information to the public was a violation of state confidentiality protocols, aimed at discrediting the MEC and twisting the narrative.
Mbewu argued that the information leak was part of a broader campaign to damage Mokoena’s reputation, accusing media houses of sensationalising the story. Mokoena has since requested an investigation into the breach, alleging that the leaks were intended to question the integrity of his office. The department has urged media organisations to adhere to ethical journalism practices, advocating for fair and balanced reporting, particularly when handling sensitive government information.
Fiscal Responsibility and Governance: A Broader Perspective
The controversy surrounding Mokoena’s trip speaks to a larger issue of fiscal responsibility within South African governance. As departments grapple with budget constraints, there is an increasing call for government officials to exercise restraint and prioritise essential services. In many cases, the public perception is that funds could be better allocated toward immediate needs within the province, such as improving infrastructure, addressing healthcare deficiencies, and supporting local economic initiatives.
Moreover, the incident has raised questions about the approval process for international trips. Observers argue that there should be stricter criteria for such expenses, particularly when the department in question is already facing budgetary limitations. Some have called for reforms that would require departments to provide clearer justifications for overseas travel, ensuring that each trip aligns with both departmental goals and budgetary constraints.
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