Winde's US trip funding 'above board,' says Western Cape government

The Western Cape government has asserted that Premier Alan Winde's sponsored trip to the United States in 2024 was "above board," following claims of non-declaration by the African National Congress (ANC).

The ANC in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature alleged that Winde's travel to attend Climate Week in New York in September last year was not declared in the Register of Members’ Interests.

The trip was funded by a donation from the Under2 Coalition, a global network of subnational governments committed to climate action, which Winde chairs.

The ANC has called for an investigation into the matter. However, Western Cape Government Director-General Harry Malila stated the donation was declared as required by the legislature’s code of conduct.

Malila clarified that the Under2 Coalition donation was made to the provincial government, not to Premier Winde in his personal capacity. Malila further explained that all expenses for the trip were paid upfront by the provincial government, with the donation only received six months after the travel took place.

He added that the sponsorship was a reimbursement for part of the money paid by the government for an economy-class ticket.

“So the provincial revenue fund is the recipient of this and not the Premier in his personal capacity,” Malila stated. “As I've indicated, even the payment itself came in the new financial year, and when you look at our statements for 2025/26 you will see under the revenue component that an amount of R51 000 will go there.”

Malila concluded that this information answers all questions regarding the transparency and accountability of the donation.