MPs must get off the gravy train

The DA is deeply concerned at plans by Parliament to provide flight tickets - at the taxpayer's expense - to Members of Parliament (MP) for up to 10 years following their retirement (see Sunday Times report).

During a time when every public office bearer should be doing what is right by cutting back - to assist the treasury with their belt-tightening measures - this move is completely unacceptable.

The DA will continue to fight for more cuts to be given effect to. Indeed, as public representatives, we should be setting the example to fellow South Africans. While so many people in our country are battling to get by each day, there simply can be no valid explanation for spending millions of rands on flying retired politicians around the country.

The new travel policy would see MPs who retire accessing up to 24 free flights a year for 10 years. The Sunday Times estimates that this could amount to approximately R106 million over 10 years. 

While the DA welcomes aspects of the policy that would see cutting of exorbitant travel perks for ministers, this cannot be done while simultaneously allowing for millions to be spent on flights for retired MPs. 

The DA's parliamentary caucus has yet to discuss and take a decision on the full policy and we will do so at the next available opportunity. But we remain clear in our established view that politicians must get off the gravy train - this must include MPs. 

Statement issued by Dr Wilmot James MP, DA Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson, March 30 2014

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