The Limpopo Legislature Secretary, 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 include multiple flight cancellations, re-bookings, and unused accommodation for a delegation attending a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association event in Gambia..
THE PRICE OF INSISTING ON ‘DR’
The delays extended the trip to almost 39 hours and caused logistical challenges for the delegates. According to reports, three flight and accommodation bookings were cancelled because Qatar Airways does not allow titles such as “Dr” on tickets. The repeated cancellations and re-bookings increased costs, pushing the total to R1.8 million.
The group later flew on a third route with Emirates, via Doha and Casablanca. Delegates also faced problems in Morocco when visa delays prevented them from leaving the airport. They slept in the terminal, and prepaid accommodation went unused.
POLITICAL BACKLASH OVER WASTED FUNDS
The Freedom Front Plus said taxpayers were “robbed due to the arrogance of a single official.” The MK Party also criticised the trip and called for Maake to repay the costs.
The Legislature defended its Secretary. It said Maake had the right to attend the event and to use his academic title.
CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Parties are calling for a full cost breakdown. They want to know who approved the bookings and why cancellation fees were so high. The Legislature has not yet released the invoices or booking details.
Opposition parties also want the Auditor-General or the Public Protector to investigate. Past audits have flagged Limpopo departments for irregular travel and catering expenses, raising concerns about weak controls on travel spending and the use of public funds.
