NCOP chair in trouble over Russia trip
The NCOP chair, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, is facing criticism for an unapproved trip to Russia accompanied by a large delegation of officials. Opposition parties have raised concerns regarding the lack of consultation and the high costs associated with the business-class travel.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about parliamentary oversight, fiscal responsibility, and the diplomatic protocols governing international travel by government officials.
The chair of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) may have landed in hot water after embarking on a trip to Russia with an expensive army of officials in tow, apparently without approval from the relevant parliamentary bodies.
The Sunday Times has learnt from well-placed officials and politicians that there was consternation after Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane travelled to Moscow this week for bilateral meetings with her Russian counterpart.
There was also unhappiness about the size of the support staff group that accompanied Mtshweni-Tsipane, with eight officials flying Emirates business class to support five MPs.
MPs from the DA and MK Party , among others, also fumed after learning about the trip, saying they had neither been invited nor consulted as per normal parliamentary protocols and practices.
The cheapest return ticket for travel between Cape Town and Moscow via Dubai on Emirates business class was selling for just over R95,000 this week.
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