Parliament has responded to claims by ActionSA MP Dereleen James that it would not cover her travel costs to attend a committee hearing in Pretoria. The hearing, held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, is part of an investigation into criminal infiltration and corruption in the justice system.
James posted a video stating that Parliament could not pay for her flights and accommodation, which she said could prevent her from performing her duties. She added that her party, ActionSA, stepped in to cover the expenses.
In response, the chairperson of the ad hoc committee, Soviet Lekganyane, explained that parliamentary policy only covers logistical expenses for full members of committees. Alternate members, like James, are only supported when officially replacing an absent full member.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo added that all MPs receive a significant annual travel allowance—between 88 and 96 single flights per year—which they can use for official parliamentary business such as this.