Deputy President David Mabuza has submitted written replies to Parliamentary questions. The questions posed to the Deputy President from the official opposition were related to the Deputy President's leave period for a scheduled medical consultation in the Russian Federation. This Included questions on the cost of the trip and the fitness of the Deputy President to carry out his responsibilities. 
 
In his response, Deputy President Mabuza reminded the official opposition of the response to a similar question posed to President Ramaphosa in the National Assembly on Friday 03 September 2021. 
 
President Ramaphosa briefed the house on the principle governing the provision of travel and security for the President and Deputy President of the Republic at whatever time, wherever they are, as required.
 
On the specific matter of the cost of the Deputy President's flights and medical costs to the Russian Federation, the response informed the official opposition that transport used  was a commercial flight paid for at Deputy President’s own personal cost, including for medical costs. 
 
The only costs incurred by The Presidency related to the Private Secretary who accompanied the Deputy President as per requirement. 
 
Furthermore, Parliament was reminded that the Deputy President like any other South African is entitled to choose his preferred medical practitioner. In the recent past in Parliament, the Deputy President took South Africans into confidence about him taking ill and how he ended-up receiving life-saving treatment from doctors in  the Russian Federation. 
 
The Deputy President is fully competent to execute his responsibilities as delegated by the President. 
 
Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat on 0826799473 / Matshepo@Presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria