Motlanthe on R2m holiday transport: ‘I had no say’

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has distanced himself from his two-week December holiday in the Seychelles, claiming he had no say in the planning of his transport and security.

In February, City Press reported that Motlanthe, his partner Gugu Mtshali, and security detail flew to the Indian Ocean island for a two-week holiday.

The SA Air Force plane used cost about R2 million.

Motlanthe, responding to questions in the National Assembly today, said the SA Police Service was responsible for his security while the SA National Defence Force was in charge of air transport.

“The deputy president has no role whatsoever in the planning and carrying out of operations concerning his own transport and security,” Motlanthe said.

He said in terms of government policy his official and private transport was the state’s responsibility.

“The state 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,” Motlanthe said.

He said the policy was approved in March 2007.