Jacob Zuma and his retinue have run up an R11,2 million domestic flying bill since January last year, it was revealed this week.

This was explained away by Zuma's spokesman, Lakela Kaunda, who said: "Participatory democracy costs money, but it is cheaper for leaders to go and meet the people where they live than for the government to pay for the people to come to Pretoria."

Which is a convenient explanation for activities that must have made Zuma a Voyager miles millionaire many times over.

Perhaps if he were to cede his miles, rather than his pension, to Schabir Shaik he might avoid a great deal of unpleasantness.

With acknowledgement to Estelle Ellis and the Cape Argus.