Pretoria - The Ministry for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency says Minister Collins Chabane used a state credit card for personal use with a clear understanding that he would repay the expenses.
"The minister made a request to his office to use the credit card as he did not have his personal belongings with him and had no access to any money. He subsequently instructed officials to make arrangements for repayment in full," said the ministry in a statement.
The repayment was deducted from his salary in November.
The ministry explained that the account in September was overdrawn by R5 361.40, and his personal expenses were R2 486.55.
However, the minister decided to pay the overdrawn amount in full, including some of the official expenses. The rest of the expenses incurred were for official purposes.
The ministry said it was important to note that the credit card was held by officials and made available to the minister when the need arises.
"The Ministerial Handbook provides for public office bearers, including Directors General, to be provided with a corporate credit card. The minister was offered the credit card in line with the handbook from the department and he accepted it."
