Spain trip must be paid back

2007-08-08 08:06

Johannesburg - The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) said it would ensure that deputy health minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge repaid the public funds she used for an unauthorised overseas trip, the SABC reported on Wednesday.

Madlala-Routledge travelled to Spain without President Thabo Mbeki's approval, which was needed as set out in the ministerial handbook.

The parliamentary watchdog said this was clearly a case of irregular expenditure, which was an offence in terms of laws governing public money, and it planned to take steps against Madlala-Routledge.

"The case as it stands is a matter of public interest and it involves public money, obviously it does warrant the attention of Scopa.

"Irregular expenditure is an offence in terms of the law, so if that has been committed, irrespective of who committed it, we would expect the law to be applied," said Scopa chairperson Themba Godi.

Madlala-Routledge took a "consultant" from her office, along with her son on a trip to Spain, allegedly without obtaining presidential approval, at a cost of R160 000 to the taxpayer.

The three flew business class, stayed at a luxury hotel and were allocated generous spending money while abroad.

An anonymous whistleblower wrote a letter to Mbeki to draw his attention to the unauthorised Madrid trip, the broadcaster said.

- SAPA