Bheki Cele has courted controversy over his department’s half a million rand trip to the Rugby World Cup in October.
Images via X: @sapoliceservices/ @notadvobarryroux
WATCH: Police Minister Bheki Cele justifies R479k state-funded Rugby World Cup trip
Bheki Cele has defended the Police Ministry’s spending of state money to allow him and his assistant to attend the Rugby World Cup final in France in October.
Bheki Cele has courted controversy over his department’s half a million rand trip to the Rugby World Cup in October.
Images via X: @sapoliceservices/ @notadvobarryroux
South Africa’s Minister of Police Bheki Cele was one of the high profile attendees at 2023 World Cup final in France and has now admitted that his trip was partly-state funded even though it was not on official work tour.
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The Springboks edged the All Blacks 12-11 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris and the historic moments was watched live inside the Stade de France Stadium by several high-ranking officials from South Africa’s cabinet.
Bheki Cele joined the likes of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Sport Zizi Kodwa, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola and former minister and now ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula in attendance at the match.
As reported by Eye Witness News (EWN), Bheki has revealed that the trip for both him and his assistant was budgeted for.
He said the Police Ministry spent just over R33,000 on his travel costs, but that the rest of his trip was sponsored by a private donor which he reported in his annual declaration to Parliament.
However, because he was travelling in his official capacity as a Minister, his assistant needed to accompany him to the World Cup and that is where the public backlash stems from.
According to the EWN report, over R450,000 — straight from the state’s coffers — was spent on Bheki Cele’s executive assistant’s travelling and accommodation in France.
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WATCH: BHEKI CELE ON HIS RUGBY WORLD CUP TRIP
