Politicsweb wrote:The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for national government to give urgent consideration to austerity proposals that have already been adopted in the Western Cape, after it emerged in a reply to a parliamentary question that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has spent R800,000 on a luxury 2009 Mercedes-Benz for its minister.
The vehicle cost just over R780,000, while additional extras - a black wooden leather steering wheel and rear window sunblinds - bring the total cost of the vehicle to R796,003.00.
This vehicle cost just R13,500 less than Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's Range Rover Sport, and is in a price bracket that the DA believes is excessive, particularly given the severity of the economic downturn and the promises by President Zuma, Finance Minister Gordhan and others to tone down government excess and cut wasteful spending.
Indeed, this kind of expenditure stands in stark contrast with President Zuma's statement during his State of the Nation address that "every cent must be spent wisely and fruitfully".
It remains unclear from the parliamentary reply whether Minister Joemat-Pettersson will be purchasing a second vehicle, or whether this will be transferred from another department. If, however, the Minister intends to purchase a second vehicle, the DA would urge her to consider demonstrating far greater empathy for the plight of ordinary South Africans during these difficult economic times.
The following table shows how four government departments have already spent more than R6-million on new vehicles for their ministers. Only Finance Minister Gordhan's vehicles fall within the range -- albeit near the upper limit -- that would be acceptable if DA austerity proposals were to be implemented nationally.
There's a table at the link with the cost of various vehicles for ministers.
