R200k for inauguration flyover

Presidential Inauguration of President Jacob Zuma for his second term by Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 24/05/2014 - POOL

Presidential Inauguration of President Jacob Zuma for his second term by Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 24/05/2014 - POOL

Published Jul 31, 2014

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Cape Town - It was over in less than a minute, yet the flypast by a SAA Airbus A340-600 during President Jacob Zuma's inauguration in Pretoria earlier this year cost taxpayers well over R200 000.

In a written reply to a parliamentary question, tabled on Thursday, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown said the total cost of the May 24 flight over the Union Buildings, including a practice flight the day before, was US20 102.

At the current rate of exchange, this is the equivalent of about R215 000.

A breakdown of this figure, given in the reply, reveals the crew performed for free, with “no meal allowance paid on both days”, that air traffic and navigation charges were waived, and a 90 percent discount was granted on parking and landing fees.

The bulk of the money spent went on fuel (US13 000). The balance went on maintenance and operating costs.

The question was posed by Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier.

Sapa

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