No straight answer from Zuma on travel costs

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has dodged questions on how much the taxpayer is forking out to finance his travel while on ANC duties.

IFP MP Mntomuhle Khawula asked Zuma in a written parliamentary question how many times he had used state resources in respect of air travel, road travel and accommodation to attend events and campaigning activities of the ANC from January 1 to May 31 this year.

Khawula also wanted to know the details of each ANC event and what was the total cost to the taxpayer.

Instead of answering the questions, Zuma just provided a framework of the policy governing the issue.

"In terms of the 2003 cabinet policy, government provides air and ground transport for the president of the Republic wherever he or she travels, regardless of the purpose of the visit.

"In terms of the aforesaid policy, government also provides secure accommodation for the president at all times," he said, providing none of the details requested by Khawula. – Jan-Jan Joubert