Zuma takes R1.6 million Bazaruto holiday: report

16 August 2013 - 10:59 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
President Jacob Zuma. File photo.
President Jacob Zuma. File photo.
Image: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Denzil Maregele

President Jacob Zuma's recent holiday on a Mozambican island cost taxpayers R1.6 million according to a report.

His deputy Kgalema Motlanthe's holiday in the Seychelles cost the taxpayer just over R1 million, according to Beeld.

A Falcon 900 and two Oryx helicopters had to make 36 flights to take Zuma to Bazaruto and back.

This emerged from answers provided on Thursday by the defence ministry to written questions by Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier.

Zuma took a break on Bazaruto earlier this year after his doctors advised him to rest.

Two Oryx helicopters from 15 Squadron flew from Durban to the Mozambican town Vilanculos to take Zuma to the island.

According to Beeld, every time the helicopters land to refuel, it counts as a new flight.

Zuma flew in a Falcon from Waterkloof Air Force Base to Vilanculos, where the helicopters took him and his bodyguards to the island.

Overall expenditure, including crew and staff allowances, amounted to R1.6m.

Motlanthe used the Falcon for the Seychelles break with a female friend and at least five bodyguards.

Motlanthe paid for his own accommodation, but taxpayers funded the crew and bodyguards which cost R512 000, with travel and subsistence expenses for staff costing over R130 000.

The agent who made arrangements that included the fuel, was paid R296 000.

Airline tickets cost R83 000.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now