By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, recently took part in a seven-day visit to New York that cost taxpayers nearly R2 million.
The revelation follows a series of parliamentary questions posed by ActionSA, which is meticulously tracking the travel expenditure of all Cabinet members.
Since June 2025, Ramokgopa and her deputy, Seiso Joel Mohai, have undertaken trips across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Ramokgopa’s trip took place during the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, from 23 to 29 September 2025.
Ramokgopa joined President Cyril Ramaphosa’s team, along with other ministers, Ronald Lamola from International Relations, Parks Tau from Trade and Industry, Sindisiwe Chikunga from Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dion George from Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and Aaron Motsoaledi from Health.
During the trip, she took part in meetings on global partnerships and shared South Africa’s views on building stronger ties for growth.
The total cost for Ramokgopa and her three staff members came to about R1.9 million for the week-long stay. This includes flights, places to stay, and daily allowances.
Meanwhile Motsoaledi’s travel costs alone have reached a staggering R11.8 million since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Between June and September alone, Motsoaledi’s travels, along with officials accompanying him, cost taxpayers R5.6 million. This figure includes R2.8 million spent on trips between February and June this year, and R3.4 million on international travel from July last year to February this year.
In response to ActionSA MP Kgosi Letlape’s inquiry about his travel expenses, Motsoaledi detailed four international trips undertaken between June and September. The most costly was a trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, from 20 to 27 September, with Motsoaledi accompanied by five officials. The total bill amounted to R2 751 147.70, with accommodation accounting for a hefty R1.645 million.
Prior to UN trip, Motsoaledi attended BRICS Health Summit in Brazil on 16 and 17 June, along with three officials. This trip cost R1 325 785.98, with air tickets making up the bulk of the expense at just over R1 million.
From 30 June to 4 July, Motsoaledi visited the UK with three officials for a “National Health System study visit” and the Global Health Senior Leaders Dialogue in London. The trip cost R1 178 231.39, with air tickets again being the biggest cost driver at almost R567 000. Notably, Motsoaledi’s return flight and one night’s accommodation were covered by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
The least expensive of the four trips was to Lusaka, Zambia, for the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Africa. The four-day visit, with four officials, cost R315 723.09.
The escalating travel expenses of government ministers have fuelled public anger and calls for greater transparency and accountability.
ActionSA has been at forefront of this issue, using parliamentary questions and legislative proposals to push for reforms. The party has introduced legislation aimed at abolishing deputy minister positions and reducing the perks enjoyed by members of the Executive.
As South Africa faces numerous socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and inequality, the lavish spending on ministerial travel raises questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to fiscal responsibility.