Issued by: Minister of Transport
MEDIA STATEMENT BY MR MAC MAHARAJ, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT PURCHASE OF ARMOURED VIP VEHICLES
THURSDAY 14 MARCH 1996
It is important that I correct certain impressions created by some media about the purchase of armoured VIP vehicles at a cost of approximately R1 million each.
The reports have alleged that Government has been reckless in spending such a large amount of money and have questioned the necessity for such vehicles.
All South Africans would readily agree that we have the responsibility to ensure the safety of our President and his deputy executive presidents.
This duty would be unavoidable even with normal and stable conditions. It is even more important in the current situation where there remain some pockets of instability in the development of our country.
We also have a duty both in terms of protocol and practice to provide secure VIP vehicles for visiting heads of state and leaders.
Some reports have also questioned whether the existing fleet is not adequate. Let me assure the public that a very careful and thorough assessment was made of the condition of the existing fleet before we took the decision to purchase the new vehicles.
It was with the same thoroughness that we assessed the vehicles which we purchased in terms of the level of secureness and cost. These two factors were largely responsible for the delay in purchase and delivery of the three armoured VIP cars.
We still await delivery of three more vehicles in order to ensure that, we have a minimum but adequate availability of such safe cars both for the needs of the President, his deputies and visiting dignitaries.
It is unfortunate that some newspapers have questioned the necessity and the costs of these cars at a time when so many South African citizens would be prepared to protect the President and our newly found democracy with their lives. Certainly no one would forgive us if we failed in meeting this awesome responsibility.
Issued by Elsa Kruger, Ministerial Liaison Officer Tel 021 45-7260