Flying President Jacob Zuma and his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe to their various engagements since the pair assumed office has cost taxpayers more than R210m, former defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu has revealed.

In written responses to two parliamentary questions, tabled on Wednesday, she said Zuma and Motlanthe had used a total of 499 SA Air Force flights.

These included aircraft operated by the SAAF's 21 (VIP) Squadron and its Reserve Squadron, as well as flights chartered by the SAAF.
Of the 499 flights, Zuma used 286, at a total cost of R140 515 430.15; Motlanthe used 213, at a total cost of R69 746 680.47.

Sisulu, who on Tuesday was shifted by Zuma from defence to take over as public service and administration minister, said the figures were for the period 2009/10 to date.

According to the replies, a total of 53 flights were chartered for the two men by the SAAF.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk