Mabuza: No taxpayers’ money spent on Russian trip
Deputy president David Mabuza has vehemently denied using taxpayers’ money to pay for his recent trip to Russia to undergo medical treatment.
Mabuza took leave of absence to attend to his health in June.
His lengthy absence from the country came amid bouts of load shedding, an intense third wave of Covid-19 infections and the July unrest that left a trail of destruction in the South African economy.
Opposition parties criticised Mabuza when he returned in August
On Thursday, Mabuza was quizzed by MPs in the National Assembly about the details of the trip.
“The trip that I’ve undertaken to the Russian Federation during my leave of absence was solely for the purpose of a scheduled medical consultation. As such, the consultation with my longstanding medical team was held as per the objection of the visit.
“I’ve been I hospital for the duration of my stay there,” he told MPs.
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Mabuza’s ill-health has long been linked to the 2015 claims that he was poisoned in an alleged political hit.
He was premier of Mpumalanga at the time.
When probed again about the claims on Thursday, Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula came to Mabuza’s defence.
Later, Mabuza assured MPs he was in good spirits.
“What I can say is that as a person concerned, I am grateful with the progress I have made with regards to my health,” Mabuza added.
He further denied using state funds for the trip.
“I’ve covered the cost of my treatment, the travelling 100%. No money was paid by the South African government towards my treatment.”
Listen to Mabuza below:
