Public Protector delivers verdict in R500,000 catering scandal involving Presidency and defence dept

The Public Protector has concluded that neither the Presidency nor the Department of Defence (DoD) acted improperly regarding the controversial catering expenses related to the Presidential aircraft, Inkwazi, amounting to over R500,000.

This expenditure surfaced amid scrutiny following the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, where extravagant meals were served aboard the jet.

Passengers aboard the Inkwazi, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, reportedly indulged in lavish dishes and beverages valued at R24,000 per person on their return from London.

The outcry stemmed from allegations made by Democratic Alliance leader, John Steenhuisen, who claimed that the catering costs for the flight amounted to R600,000 for fewer than 18 guests.

However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka clarified that the actual catering costs for the London flight were significantly less — rounding off to just over R139,000. 

"The procurement process adhered to the Presidential Handbook and South African Air Force (SAAF) guidelines, and no alcohol or luxury items were included in the catering orders," she said.

In addition to the concerns surrounding the Queen's funeral, another incident raised eyebrows when it was reported that Ramaphosa had cancelled a flight to Turkey in 2023, which incurred a cost of at least R91,000 to taxpayers. Allegations also surfaced regarding the procurement of luxury items such as expensive liquor, premium chocolates, and biltong for VIP passengers during the trip.

The aircraft flew to Cape Town to collect the president. However, the flight was canceled, and the plane returned to Waterkloof Airbase the following day. Notably, none of the prepared food was brought back.

Regarding these allegations, Gcaleka acknowledged that while the cancellation of the Turkey flight did incur additional costs, reasonable care had been exercised. She noted that mitigation steps were successfully implemented, with portions of the catering being utilised during subsequent flights and non-perishable items saved for future use to prevent wastage.

She said the cancellation itself resulted in a cost of just over R82,000 for catering services, aligning with the supplier’s cancellation terms.

In her findings, the Public Protector ultimately concluded that both the Presidency and the DoD acted within the legal parameters and policy frameworks, asserting that their conduct did not constitute maladministration or improper behaviour. 

Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, had previously emphasised that the Presidency was not involved in the catering decisions on board Inkwazi, as these were managed by the air force’s VIP squadron.

Gcaleka’s report was one of the 768 investigations carried out during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, which concludes on December 31, 2025.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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