The National Treasury has rejected suggestions that finance minister Pravin Gordhan's hotel accommodation costs are excessive.

(Image: GCIS)
The reported hotel accommodation costs for the minister should be viewed in accordance with the nature of the particular engagement, Treasury spokeswoman Bulelwa Boqwana said on Thursday, 1 December.
Earlier, the Democratic Alliance lamented the fact that "the people of South Africa had spent R60 000" on Gordhan's two-night stay in Paris in March this year.
"Minister Gordhan has on many occasions called on state officials to spend the people's money responsibly," DA spokesman Dion George said in a statement.
However, it seemed that the minister had now violated his own rules, he said.
Responding, Boqwana said all the minister's international accommodation costs were associated with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and G20 engagements.
South Africa was not responsible for the logistics.
"The host countries book for the delegates and provide security."
Hotels were selected on the basis of convenience and security.
"In most cases, the engagements take place in the same venue or in close proximity to where the conference is held," she said.
Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge