Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
A statement issued by the Democratic Party today, as quoted by SAPA, states that three cars have been bought for use by Premier Tokyo Sexwale, at a cost of R437 000. The statement is based on information supplied to the DP, in response to a question raised in the Legislature.
According to the SAPA report, "Gauteng has bought three cars for his (Mr Sexwale's) use: a BMW730i (worth R207 000) and two VW Jettas (worth R115 000 each)".
The facts are as follows:
1. Two vehicles - the two Jettas - were bought in mid-1994 for Mr Sexwale's use. One vehicle is used to transport the Premier, and the second to transport an escort security unit (as is standard procedure for senior government figures).
2. One of the Jettas has subsequently been sent back to the Government Garage because of repeated mechanical problems, which resulted in the Premier missing several important functions. Since the information was supplied to the DP, this Jetta has been replaced with an Audi A4 from the Government Garage.
3. The BMW referred to in the SAPA report is actually a pool car from the Government Garage, which is used by the Premier (and others) during emergencies - for example, when repeated problems were experienced with the Premier's Jetta.
4. In addition, one vital fact is missing from the SAPA report: The BMW was bought by the previous government on 6 January 1993 and is therefore now over three years old. This vehicle was bought by the previous government for use by the then-Administrator of the Transvaal, Mr Danie Hough.
5. It is therefore incorrect to state that this vehicle was "bought for Mr Sexwale's use".
In addition, it is important to emphasise that the cost of Mr Sexwale's vehicles is well within the national allowance, and that the Premier has repeatedly emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline when it comes to expenditure by political leaders.
Issued by: Chris Vick, Communications Director, Office of the Premier