Limpopo Legislature Faces R1.8m Travel Scandal

The Secretary of the Limpopo Legislature, Timothy Maake, is under fire after taxpayers were billed R1.8 million for cancelled travel bookings linked to his insistence on being addressed as “Dr” on airline tickets.

The costs reportedly stemmed from multiple flight cancellations, re-bookings, and unused accommodation for a delegation travelling to a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association event in Gambia. Delays stretched the journey to almost 39 hours, creating major logistical challenges for delegates.

According to reports, three bookings for flights and accommodation were cancelled after Qatar Airways refused to include the “Dr” title on tickets. The repeated cancellations and re-issues drove costs up to R1.8 million.

The delegation eventually travelled on a third route with Emirates, via Doha and Casablanca. However, further issues arose in Morocco, where visa delays prevented delegates from leaving the airport. They spent the night in the terminal while prepaid hotel rooms went unused.

The Freedom Front Plus accused Maake of “arrogance” and said taxpayers were “robbed by the ego of a single official”. The MK Party also criticised the debacle, calling for Maake to personally repay the costs.

The Limpopo Legislature, however, defended its secretary, saying he had the right to attend the event and to use his academic title.

Opposition parties have demanded a full breakdown of the costs, questioning who authorised the bookings and why cancellation fees were so high. They have also urged the Auditor-General or the Public Protector to investigate the matter.

Past audits have already flagged Limpopo departments for irregular travel and catering expenses, fuelling concerns about weak controls on public spending.