Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize used 45 chartered planes and helicopters at a cost of R1.2 million between 2010-13, according to a media report.
This was reportedly said by current premier Senzo Mchunu and provincial director general Nhlanhla Ngidi in response to questions posed by the Democratic Alliance in the provincial legislature earlier this month.
The Star newspaper reported that most of the trips were within the province. Some of the trips were to attend weddings and funerals and cost between R22,000 and R58,000.
The office of the premier said the use of private aircraft was not unusual.
Spokesman, Ndabezinhle Sibiya was quoted as saying the province was mainly rural and private planes were required to access certain areas.
"There are no commercial flights to deep rural areas within KZN. Over the past years, premiers have used private aircraft to travel to far-flung areas to execute their duties," he said.
He said the usage did not constitute abuse of government funds as Mkhize was invited to the weddings and funerals in his capacity as premier.
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