Taxpayers foot nearly R6m bill for Gauteng legislature Venezuela trip

Nearly R6 million in taxpayer money reportedly funded a Gauteng Provincial Legislature delegation’s trip to Venezuela, including about R1.5 million in allowances.

Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe led the delegation to the International Tourism Fair of Venezuela (FITVEN) in November 2025.

Documents submitted to the Oversight Committee on the Premier’s Office and Legislature reportedly put the total cost at R5 997 895.

Delegates received R125 000 each

According to a report, the 13-member delegation included Mosupyoe, four members of the provincial legislature and seven staff members.

Each delegate reportedly received an allowance of R125 000.

The legislature authorised the delegation to spend 12 days abroad, although the tourism fair ran for only four days.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has questioned the size of the delegation and the length of the visit.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga also questioned why the legislature sent such a large group when Brand South Africa already had a presence at the event.

DA targets Speaker over Venezuela trip

The DA has now submitted a motion of censure against Mosupyoe over the expenditure.

The party argues that the money could have gone towards addressing service delivery challenges in Gauteng and wants the Speaker held accountable.

Mosupyoe has defended the visit, saying the government formally approved it and that the delegation aimed to strengthen international relations and promote Gauteng abroad.

The legislature has not yet confirmed when it will debate the motion of censure.