President Cyril Ramaphosa has stunned South Africans as he was spotted travelling to Durban in economy class.
It was on a Safair flight from Pretoria on Friday morning. He was on his way to attend the Covenant Fellowship Church International in eSikhaleni, Kwazulu Natal north coast.
Ramaphosas co-passengers snapped photos with the president which were shared on Twitter, according to News24.
While some commended the South African leader for cutting costs, some others were cynical, dismissing the gesture as a PR stunt.
Ramaphosas spokesperson Khusela Diko told News24 that the president will at all times use the mode of transport which is most practical, convenient and cost effective for his duties.
Ramaphosa who is 65 years old is South Africas fifth President. He succeeded Jacob Zuma on 15 February 2018. Zuma resigned after the African National Congress recalled him.
President Ramaphosa on-board a Fly SafAir flight to Durban this morning
Mlimandlela Ndamase (@PrinceNdamase)
Crayg Hitzeroth (@CraygH)
Justice4All (@Unathi_Kwaza)
Whilst hes flying SAfair, his ministers are sleeping in expensive hotels and spending millions of the states money on parties.. what is he doing about it
Jalamba (@simphiw_)
Praise where praise is due
rowland cunningham (@bhanaC)
He deserves praise here indeed. Cutting costs
Tshepo David Khoza (@khozalities)
Source: NAN