The public protector has cleared the presidency and the department of defence of allegations of financial mismanagement and improper conduct relating to catering expenses on the presidential aircraft, Inkwazi.
The complaint, lodged by DA leader John Steenhuisen, alleged that catering costs for a 2022 flight from London to South Africa amounted to R600,000 for fewer than 18 guests and that catering for a cancelled flight to Turkey in 2023 cost taxpayers R91,000. Allegations also included the purchase of luxury items such as expensive liquor, chocolates and biltong for VIPs.
According to the public protector, evidence showed that catering costs for the London flight totalled R139,319, significantly less than alleged.
