The Public Protector has cleared the Presidency and the Department of Defence over allegations about catering aboard the presidential jet Inkwazi, ending months of public scrutiny that began after the president's return from London following Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022.
The Sowetan reports that Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka's office found that the contested London flight's catering bill came to about R139319, far below earlier claims that the cost reached R600000 and that the cancellation of a separate Turkey trip led to catering fees of roughly R82037 in line with supplier terms.
Gcaleka emphasised that no alcohol or luxury items were included and said procurement complied with the Presidential Handbook and South African Air Force guidelines.
