ANC dips into funds for fancy hotels, flights and vehicles
Sam Kwelita said: “There’s a clear distinction between party, caucus and constituency funds. “It’s there in writing.” All the invoices were billed by travel agency Let’s Travel Seekers.
At one point the company forwarded an invoice of R47 329 for hotel bookings at the Port Elizabeth Summerstrand Hotel for two days in April 2010.
The guests were once again Mabuyane, Norushe, Meth and Ncitha. The bill skyrocketed because of Mabuyane’s 11-day car hire bill of R24 184.
Let’s Travel managing director Cheryl Clur confirmed the ANC chief whip’s office was one of their clients, “but due to [the] client confidentiality agreement, I am unable to discuss details with a third party”.
The spending spree kicked off barely two months after Mabuyane and Meth were elected to the PEC at a hotly contested provincial conference in Riverpark.
The trips occurred while the PEC was busy crafting the party’s local government elections candidates’ list.
The Saturday Dispatch understands that then chief whip Humphrey Maxhegwana tried to highlight the misuse of constituency money during a PEC meeting at the beginning of 2010, but in vain.
He has since been recalled as ANC chief whip.
Maxhegwana refused to comment yesterday, and referred inquiries to the newly elected chief whip, Mzoleli Mrara.
Mrara’s office had not responded by the time of going to print. Gcilishe refused to comment.
Mrara and Xasa failed to respond to questions.
Norhushe, Meth, Dunjwa and Maninjwa could not be reached for comment yesterday.