South Africa has witnessed mounting public anger over the sharp rise in ministerial travel expenses in 2025, with parliamentary disclosures revealing what critics describe as excessive use of taxpayer funds. By mid-year, total ministerial travel costs had already crossed R200 million, sparking debate over whether such high spending is necessary for government officials to perform their duties.
Several high-profile trips have drawn criticism. Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Japan in March 2025 reportedly cost R2.3 million, including accommodation expenses nearing R900,000 over four nights. The trip included a large delegation of ministers and their spouses, with spouses taking part in a special programme that added significantly to the total cost.
The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans recorded one of the highest travel bills, with around R20 million spent on international trips by July 2025. These included multiple visits to countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture also came under scrutiny after spending R6.6 million on international travel, with both the minister and deputy minister accounting for a substantial portion of the expenses.
Similarly, the Department of Social Development faced criticism for spending R3 million on a single trip to New York for a United Nations conference, where officials stayed at a luxury hotel. While the department defended the expenditure, citing long-term funding benefits for gender-based violence programmes, critics argued the costs were unjustifiable given the country’s economic challenges.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have questioned the scale of spending, especially as many South Africans rely on social grants as their main source of income. Calls are growing for stricter oversight, clearer travel policies, and stronger accountability to ensure public funds are used responsibly.