Alootin Continuously

Affairs Minister Sicelo Shiceka spent hundreds of thousands of rands of taxpayers money on luxury hotels, first class airtickets and on visiting a jailed girlfriend in Switzerland since taking up his Cabinet post in 2008, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

"Minister Shiceka has abused taxpayers money to lead a lifestyle befitting a multimillionaire," reported the newspaper, which claimed to be in possession of "official documents" that showed Shiceka had started his spending spree immediately after being appointed to the Cabinet in September 2008.

The accusations include Shiceka, who has been on sick leave since the beginning of March, and his personal assistant flying first class to visit his girlfriend in prison in Switzerland.

The minister also allegedly spent R32 000 on hiring a chauffeur-driven limo to take him to the prison.

The newspaper said Shiceka and his staff spent R640 000 in one year to stay at Cape Town's five star hotel, the One&Only, of which R280 000 was spent "on him alone".

The minister spent another R55 793 for a one night stay at the luxurious hotel during President Jacob Zuma's first State of the Nation speech. He reportedly justified taking a sangoma with him by saying the man was his "father figure".

Invoices 'fabricated'
More than R160 000 was spent in eight months on flying 10 of Shiceka's family members -- including his estranged wife and current girlfriend -- around the country at taxpayers' expense.

The Sunday Times said Shiceka tried to have his department pay for a four night R357 120 hotel bill for himself, his mother and his bodyguard at the Lesotho Sun in Maseru.

Shiceka told the Sunday Times that he had never been in a limousine or stayed at the Lesotho Sun.

He claimed that all documentary proof presented to him, including invoices, emails and faxes had been doctored or fabricated.

"I have never been in a limousine. I have never stayed in the Lesotho Sun," Shiceka said.

He did however, admit to spending more than R55 000 for one night at the One&Only.

"What is wrong with that," he asked.

"Every other hotel was full."

He also justified putting up his "father figure" at the One&Only.

"The ministerial handbook allows it," he said.

Questions - Sisulu's VIP jet decision

The decision by defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu to lease two new aircraft for transporting VIPs, at a cost of R800 million, was cause for concern, the DA said.

"Why are we spending R800m on aircraft for VIPs when millions of people do not have housing, health and basic services," party spokesman David Maynier said.

"The ministerial handbook is clear: the use of defence force aircraft for these purposes should be the exception, not the rule," he said.

The tender was apparently awarded to AdoAir, a company owned by Nigerian businessman Adegboyega Olulade.

The tender document reportedly specified that the aircraft should be able to transport at least 17 people, have sleeping quarters for two passengers as well as onboard communication systems and two conference facilities.

"The use of the SA Air Force for the purpose of ferrying around VIPs needs close scrutiny," Maynier said.

The party would call on the chairman of the joint standing committee on defence, Jerome Maake, to schedule hearings on the matter.

- Timeslive