Minister Collins Chabane used a state credit card for personal use with an understanding that he would repay the expenses, the presidency said on Tuesday.

It said Chabane, Minister for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, asked to use the card as "he did not have his personal belongings with him and had no access to any money".

"The minister has consciously used the state credit card for personal use with a clear understanding that he will repay the expenses."

The presidency said the issue needed clarification after it surfaced in a reply to a parliamentary question posed to Chabane.

The presidency said Chabane made the request to use the credit card to his office.

He subsequently instructed officials to make arrangements for repayment in full, and the money was deducted from his salary in November.

"It is important to note that the credit card is held by officials and make it available to the minister when the need arises."

The account in September was overdrawn by R5361.4, and his personal expenses were R2486.55.

"However, the minister decided that since the account is overdrawn he will pay the overdrawn amount in full, including some of the official expenses," the presidency said.

"The rest of the expenses incurred were for official purposes."

The Ministerial Handbook provides for public office bearers, including directors general, to be provided with a corporate credit card.

Chabane was offered the credit card in line with the handbook from the department and he accepted it.