Minister Dlamini Zuma admits hitching a free flight to Geingob funeral

OUTGOING Minister in the Presidency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has admitted to receiving a free flight on a private jet owned by a South African businesswoman in order to attend the funeral of Namibian president Hage Geingob.

Dlamini Zuma was among the dignitaries who attended the funeral of Geingob, 82, who died early last month while receiving treatment in a hospital in the capital, Windhoek.

Responding to questions posed by MPs in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Dlamini Zuma said the lift was offered by businesswoman Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, who also attended the funeral. She said she saw nothing wrong with accepting it as it saved taxpayers’ money.

“So, how can I say how much was incurred because lifts are free. Now you are asking the reason why. The reason why is simple. Whenever there is an opportunity to save taxpayers’ money, I take that opportunity. That is why I humbled myself and hiked the lift and I got it. Thank you,” she said.

Earlier this year, Dlamini Zuma tendered her resignation from the National Assembly, indicating she would not be returning to Parliament after the elections in May.

In a letter to ANC electoral committee head Kgalema Motlanthe, Dlamini Zuma said there was no need to schedule an interview with her as part of the public representative list process ahead of the elections this year as she would not be available.

Dlamini Zuma was nominated by ANC branches to return to Parliament on the national list, but the 74-yearold has turned them down.

“It will not be necessary to schedule the interview for the 2024 national list because I have taken a decision to retire from being a member of Parliament,” Dlamini Zuma wrote.