The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA welcomes the Public Protector’s decision  to investigate allegations of wasteful and fruitless expenditure on flights by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, and his deputy, Gert Oosthuizen.

I wrote to the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, in March to request an investigation into the conduct of Minister Mbalula and Deputy Minister Oosthuizen after it emerged in a reply to a DA parliamentary question that they had spent approximately R 2.6 million on flights between 1 April 2010 and early 2012.

Minister Mbalula had taken 240 flights in the space of two years amounting to R1 539 196. Minister Mbalula’s deputy, Gert Oosthuizen, had taken 105 flights in the same period totalling R1 133 927.

I will closely monitor the progress of the investigation and hold the Minister and his Deputy to account.

Public funds must be used to develop athletes of the future and support our current crop of talented sportsmen and women. Every cent is precious in these endeavours and must not be wasted.