Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reportedly revealed that his March 2025 working visit to Japan cost R2.3 million, covering flights, accommodation, transport, food, and laundry.
This brings the total for his four international trips since July 2024 to approximately R7.9 million, The Citizen reported.
Mashatile disclosed this in response to a parliamentary question from ActionSA MP Lerato Ngobeni.
His previous trips included visits to Ireland and the UK (R5.47 million), and two regional events in Botswana and Zimbabwe (each under R60,000). The Japan visit was positioned as strategically important, marking 115 years of diplomatic ties and strengthening economic cooperation.
Living a life of luxury on OUR tax money!
Land of the rising costs: R900 000 for accommodation for Mashatile, wife on R2.3m Japan trip https://t.co/jYFlxoAHnq via @news24 pic.twitter.com/lXIF4dzN0i
— Amerikaner Boerin (@BoerinZa) June 4, 2025
The deputy president was accompanied by a high-level delegation including multiple ministers and senior staff, with detailed costs provided for each.
He met with Japanese political leaders and business groups, promoted investment, and delivered a keynote at the United Nations University as part of aligning South Africa’s G20 Presidency with Japan’s African engagement.
While costly, the trip was described as essential for fostering political and economic partnerships with Japan—South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s trip to Japan in March cost the taxpayer R2.3 million, of which just more than R900 000 went to his and his wife’s lodgings. | @gerbjan
— News24 🇿🇦 (@News24) June 4, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
