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In response to a DA parliamentary question the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, has revealed that his department is in the process of purchasing two new ministerial vehicles - a Mercedes Benz E500 and E200 - at a combined cost of R1.2 million.
• The Mercedes Benz E500 is for Pretoria and cost R757 545.00 (including the optional extra of a navigation system)
• The Mercedes Benz E200 is for Cape Town and cost R451 134.00.
Quite why an E200 is good enough for Cape Town, but the minister needs an E500 for Pretoria (at a cost of R300 000 more to the taxpayer) is difficult to explain. The disparity suggests that the E500 is exorbitant and unnecessary. Indeed, the cost of the E200 makes it the cheapest car bought to date, more frugal even than that of the Finance Minister. For this, the minister must be commended. It is unfortunate, however, that his attitude didn't carry over to the Pretoria purchase. Credit is due to the former Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who for all her bad judgement and poor administration in that office, used her own car during her term, according to the reply. It is a pity that Minister Motsoaledi didn't follow suit. The Health Minister is the eighth national minister to buy a new car. A full list of all ministerial vehicles bought to date follows below.
Minister Department Vehicle Total Cost* Extras
Ace Magashule Premier of the Free State Mercedes Benz S600 R1 300 000
(Source <http://www.mailfire.co.za/link/QlJVTj0xMDY0NCZMSUQ9MzA2OTgmU0lEPTEwMTk1MzY=.aspx> ) See here for complete list <http://www.mailfire.co.za/link/QlJVTj0xMDY0NCZMSUQ9MzA2OTgmU0lEPTEwMTk1MzY=.aspx>
Siphiwe Nyanda Communications (Pretoria) BMW 750i, 2009 model R1 271 800 Dynamic Drive (body roll stabilisation); Sports leather steering wheel (3 spoke); Electric Rear Screen Roller Sun blind with manual side blinds; Active cruise control with Stop & Go function; Rear-seat entertainment; High-gloss satin chrome; Sun protection glazing; Special wheel design recommended for the 750i; rear view camera; ceramic surround for controls; ambient interior lighting; adaptive headlights; high beam assist; lane departure warning; lane change warning
Siphiwe Nyanda Communications (Cape Town) BMW 750i, 2009 model R1 147 600 Sports leather steering wheel (3 spoke); Rear view camera; High Beam Assist; Special wheel design recommended for the 750i
Blade Nzimande Higher Education and Training (Pretoria) BMW 750i, 2009 model R1 110 750 Not disclosed
Free State MECs x10 Free State Provincial Government Mercedes Benz S500 x10 R970 000 x 10 = R9.7m (Source <http://www.mailfire.co.za/link/QlJVTj0xMDY0NCZMSUQ9MzA2OTgmU0lEPTEwMTk1MzY=.aspx> ) See here for complete list <http://www.mailfire.co.za/link/QlJVTj0xMDY0NCZMSUQ9MzA2OTgmU0lEPTEwMTk1MzY=.aspx>
Angie Motshekga Basic Education (Cape Town) BMW 730D R894 500 None
Angie Motshekga Basic Education (Pretoria) Range Rover Sport TDV8 R809 592 Mudguards
Tina Joemat-Petterson Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mercedes Benz 2009 S350 R796 003 Black wooden/leather steering wheel and sunblinds rear window
Aaron Motsoaledi Health Mercedes Benz E500 R757 545 Navigation system
Naledi Pandor Science and Technology (Pretoria) Mercedes Benz 2009 S250 R711 718 Metallic paint, Command navigation, Media interface, DVD player, Technical off road package, Heated front seats, Xenon active lights, Sunroof, Run flat, Private glass
Naledi Pandor Science and Technology (Cape Town) Mercedes Benz 2009 S250 R695 095 Metallic paint, Command navigation, Media interface, DVD player, Technical off road package, Heated front seats, Xenon active lights, Sunroof, Run flat, Private glass
Nathi Mthethwa Police 2008 BMW X5 3.0D R685 091 "Included" reverse cameras; navigation system; sport suspension; sunroof; and electric seat adjustment.
Nathi Mthethwa Police 2008 BMW X5 3.0D R677 270 "Included" reverse cameras; navigation system; sport suspension; sunroof; and electric seat adjustment
Pravin Gordhan Finance Audi A6 3.0T R590 500 -
Pravin Gordhan Finance Lexus GS 300 SE R557 673 -
Aaron Motsoaledi Health Mercedes Benz E200 R451 134 -
* Includes costs of extras, but excludes ongoing vehicle tracking and insurance costs