WATCH | Nelson Mandela Bay mayor's luxurious first-class flight costs ratepayers more than R400 000

Luxurious light-brown leather seats, a built-in mini-fridge, white and gold lamps, and a private gold-encased cubicle are only some of the luxuries that Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Gary van Niekerk enjoyed on his first-class Emirates flight to China late last year.

News24 previously reported on Van Niekerk's business trip to China, for which ratepayers forked out more than R400 000 for a one-way connecting flight from Johannesburg to Dubai.

However, on Thursday, videos and selfies of an obviously delighted and enthusiastic Van Niekerk in his luxurious surroundings emerged on social media, causing shock and outrage among residents who commented that ratepayers money should rather be spent on service delivery.