GAUTENG PREMIER SPLURGES R30 000 ON MILAN TRIP

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane splurged R30 000 on one day with her government credit card when she was overseas in Milan, Italy.

This is revealed in a written reply by Mokonyane to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature on her credit card spending.

According to the reply, she spent R56 780 on this credit card in 2011, and R26 424 in 2012. She claims that all purchases are in line with the ministerial handbook including "business meetings on official visits abroad".

But on Saturday 1 October 2011 she spent R15 841 at the Don Juan Ristorante Argentina in Milan, known for its succulent steaks.

She also spent R5621 at the Just Cavalli Hollywood restaurant and dance club that same day, and R2586 at the upscale Salvatorre Ferragamo department store.

According to a website, Just Cavalli is popular with elite and celebrity visitors who frequent it for aperitifs, dinner and dancing. The restaurant has a high-tech audio and lighting system with mini-spotlights.

It's not known whether Mokonyane danced the night away there but this youtube video shows how lively it is:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tkKs7kBRj8

The premier also spent R5122 with her credit card at the Hotel Principe Di Savoia for unknown expenses.

Another overseas expenditure was R16 953 spent at a "lunch meeting" at the Fogo De Chao restaurant in Atlanta in America.

I am not convinced that the Milan spending was all above board. It seems to be extravagant and unnecessary. I will request details of all the guests at these restaurant meetings, as well as what was purchased at the Salvatore Ferragamo store.

The DA believes that government credit cards should be abolished as has been done by the Western Cape provincial government.

There have been far too many instances of abuse, and it is important that public money is always spent properly.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, March 24 2013

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