Deputy President Paul Mashatile finds himself embroiled in controversy following revelations of a R2.3 million official Japan trip in March 2025, with particular scrutiny on R956,057 spent on hotel accommodations – averaging R239,000 per night.
The four-day diplomatic mission, which included Mashatile’s wife Humile, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and citizens alike.
Pattern of Expensive Foreign Travel Emerges
Documents reveal this forms part of a concerning trend, with the Deputy President’s office expending R7.9 million on four international trips within eight months.
The most substantial expenditure was a R5.5 million journey to Ireland and the United Kingdom in late 2024. These revelations come as South Africa grapples with persistent economic challenges, including high unemployment and austerity measures.
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Paul Mashatile Faces Backlash For Lavish Japan Trip
ActionSA legislator Lerato Ngobeni has led parliamentary criticism, labeling the expenditures as “indefensible luxury” during a national fiscal crisis. Social media platforms have erupted with citizen outrage, particularly regarding the inclusion of Mashatile’s spouse on what was billed as an official trade mission. Many question whether such lavish spending aligns with the government’s stated commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Official Justification Meets Skepticism
While Mashatile’s office maintains the Japan visit was essential for strengthening bilateral trade relations with South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, they have not provided satisfactory explanations for the extraordinary accommodation costs. Transparency advocates demand full disclosure of expense reports, noting that the nightly hotel rate far exceeds Tokyo’s most exclusive luxury suites.
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Calls for Accountability Grow Louder
The controversy has reignited debates about appropriate travel protocols for government officials, with civil society organizations urging the implementation of stricter oversight mechanisms. As public pressure mounts, all eyes remain on whether the Deputy President’s office will provide convincing justification or face potential parliamentary consequences for the questionable expenditures.