Speaker, the Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, who was then the Minister of Provincial and Local Government, requested permission to travel to Switzerland in December 2008 in order to perform official duties related to South Africa's hosting of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe accordingly granted permission as it was considered important for the Minister to acquaint himself with his new role as chairperson of the host cities under the 2010 Local Organising Committee.
I requested a report from the Minister, subsequent to media reports alleging that business other than what former President Motlanthe had been informed about, had transpired. The Minister complied. The complaint is also being investigated by the Public Protector and I await the outcome of that process. I thank you, hon Speaker.