DA Files Censure Motion Against Gauteng Speaker Over R6 Million Venezuela Trip

• The Democratic Alliance submitted a censure motion against Gauteng Legislature Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe over a costly overseas trip
• A 13-member delegation travelled to Venezuela for a four-day conference but received approval for a 12-day stay, with each member receiving R125,000
• DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga questioned why taxpayers funded an extended trip when Brand South Africa was already representing the province

GAUTENG — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a motion of censure against Gauteng Provincial Legislature Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe, with a 12-day travel authorisation for a four-day international conference emerging as central to the party's case.

According to eNCA, DA Gauteng Provincial Leader Solly Msimanga raised concerns about a 13-member delegation that travelled to Venezuela for the International Tourism Fair of Venezuela (FITVEN), a conference that ran for only four days. The group included four legislature members and seven staff members, each of whom received an allowance of R125,000, bringing the total cost of the trip to nearly R6 million.

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12-Day stay for a 4-day conference

Msimanga questioned why the delegation received approval to remain in Venezuela for 12 days when the event itself lasted less than half that time. He argued that the extended stay obligated taxpayers to cover additional daily allowances for what he described as an unnecessary entourage.

The DA leader also pointed out that the legislature's attendance may have been redundant, given that Brand South Africa was already present at the fair to represent the country's interests. He argued that sending a separate Gauteng delegation served no clear purpose. Msimanga further noted that the Speaker allegedly failed to inform the house before departing, which the DA says constitutes a breach of protocol.

Mosupyoe defends the trip

Mosupyoe has pushed back against the criticism, maintaining that the visit received formal government approval. She said the delegation's participation was aimed at strengthening international relations and profiling Gauteng on a global stage. The DA, however, remains unconvinced. Msimanga contrasted the expenditure with the daily reality at the legislature, where non-governmental organisations line up seeking grants for vulnerable communities.

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He said diverting millions to overseas travel, particularly for a trip that yielded no clear benefit over what Brand South Africa was already delivering, was difficult to justify. A date for tabling the censure motion before the full Gauteng legislature has not yet been confirmed. The call for a debate comes after the Democratic Alliance also demanded answers from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie for spending over R31 million at the FIFA World Cup recently.

PA defends Gayton McKenzie over R110 million grant claims

In a related article, Briefly News reported on the Democratic Alliance's upcoming complaint to the Public Protector regarding Minister Gayton McKenzie, which centers on alleged misconduct involving a jobs-for-pals scheme and the misappropriation of substantial public funds. As the political landscape intensifies ahead of the November elections, the Patriotic Alliance has vehemently dismissed these allegations, framing them as desperate attempts to undermine their growing influence.

Source: Briefly News