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The DA in North West is concerned that the Provincial Government is blatantly ignoring money-saving measures announced two years ago by the Treasury, with regards to the purchase of new, luxury vehicles.

The Sowetan newspaper reported that Premier Supra Mahumapelo and his 10 MEC’s are shopping for new cars, while the people of the North West face ongoing failures of government and service breakdowns.

It seems that Mahumapelo and his cabinet plan to buy luxury cars according to the old ministerial handbook, and not according to the cabinet decision to save money. These cars can therefore cost up to R15 million.

Besides buying cars for themselves they plan to buy 10 relief vehicles consisting of four sedans, four SUV’s and two light duty vehicles, to make their lives more comfortable, rather than serving the people.

Among the austerity measures Minister Gordhan announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in 2013 was that the cost limits for official cars will be standardised and there will be no compensation for use of personal cars. Up to then, ministers could blow in excess of R1 million on luxury vehicles. They are now only allowed to spend nearly half that amount, yet apparently Mahumapelo plans to ignore this.

This is a waste of taxpayers’ money - some MECs have very recently bought new vehicles and do not need new vehicles for any reason. The MEC for Health Dr Magome Masike recently bought a luxury Mercedes ML while none of the prescribed procedures for procurement were followed.

These proposed purchases emphasize the North West government’s reputation that was built up over many years, that they are more focussed on travelling in luxury and to be seen in blue light vehicles than to serve the people of the province.

The DA is furthermore concerned about the veil of secrecy that surrounds these transactions, and will demand full disclosure in the Legislature.

The DA will ask urgent questions in the North West Provincial Legislature about the purchase of this fleet of luxury vehicles and enquire about what tender procedures were followed in this transaction.

Issued by DA North West