Tragic Accident Claims Life of IFP President’s Driver
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is mourning the loss of its president, Velenkosini Hlabisa’s driver, who tragically passed away in a car accident on the N2 highway near Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal.
The incident took place on the afternoon of Saturday, 11 January, and has left the party in deep sorrow.
IFP President Offers Condolences
The driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident, was declared dead at the scene.
In the wake of the tragedy, Velenkosini Hlabisa personally visited the grieving family on the same day to express his condolences and inform them of the devastating news.
A spokesperson for the IFP, Mkhulekwa Hlenga, stated that out of respect for the family’s privacy, the identity of the deceased will not be revealed until the family has had the opportunity to notify other relatives.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear.
“The IFP extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, to President Hlabisa, and to his security team during this difficult time,” Hlenga added.
Controversy Over Minister’s Travel Expenses
In a separate issue, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has faced significant criticism after it was revealed that his department has spent over R10 million on travel expenses in just five months.
This revelation came after a response to a parliamentary question by ActionSA, detailing the travel costs of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
The breakdown of the travel expenses includes:
- Minister Hlabisa’s travel, both domestic and international, which amounts to R3,462,238.03.
- Deputy Minister Burns-Ncamashe’s international travel costs of R3,959,611.60.
- Deputy Minister Masemola’s travel expenses totaling R2,620,586.26.
Criticism of Government Spending
ActionSA member of Parliament, Alan Beesley, expressed his concerns about the government’s excessive spending on travel, especially when many municipalities in South Africa are struggling with financial difficulties and poor infrastructure.
He criticized the apparent disconnect between the government’s spending habits and the challenges faced by local governments.
Beesley argued that while Minister Hlabisa and his colleagues travel abroad, the funds could have been better utilized to address the dire situation in South Africa’s municipalities, many of which are under-resourced and mismanaged.
He also pointed out that the lavish spending patterns seem to reflect the government’s failure to prioritize fiscal discipline, despite the pressing socio-economic challenges facing ordinary South Africans.
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