Deputy President clarifies Seychelles trip

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Pretoria – Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says it is government policy for the transportation of the Deputy President - whether it is for official or private purposes - to be paid for by the State.

Motlanthe was responding to parliamentary questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday when he addressed a question from the Democratic Alliance’s Mr D J Maynier about what official duties the Deputy President had performed between 23 December 2012 and 4 January 2013.

Although not asked directly about his holiday to the Seychelles over the period in question, Motlanthe proffered a clarification over what the state’s responsibilities were with regards to presidential travel.

“I did not perform any official duties between 23 December 2012 and 4 January 2013… Two weeks ago, during the debate on the State of the Nation Address in this House, Honourable Maynier stated that he would be asking me a question regarding my holiday to the Seychelles.

“Although he has not asked that specific question from the onset, I wish to alleviate his anxiety and respond to it. 

“In terms of government policy duly adopted by Cabinet, transport for the Deputy President, whether for official or private purposes, is the responsibility of the State. 

“The State also has a duty to provide security for the Deputy President at all times, whether he is engaged in official duties or while he is on leave. This policy was reaffirmed by Cabinet on 20 March 2007,” said Motlanthe.

He noted that all matters pertaining to transport and security of the Deputy President were handled by the relevant State organs. 

“The South African Police Service is responsible for security, including ground transport, while the South African National Defence Force is responsible for air transport.

“The Deputy President has no role whatsoever in the planning and carrying out of operations concerning his own transport and security.  These matters, including deployment of personnel and equipment as well as related costs, are managed by the competent state organs,” said Motlanthe. – SAnews.gov.za