SHOOT: I hired a car for 4 days when I was in Cape Town. It cost R199 per day. So if your cars costs R1.1 million, you could theoretically hire a car for 15 years [arguably the lifespan of a luxury BMW].
Other government high flyers include Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, who bought two 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350s worth R1,4million and fitted with R150000 of extras, including metallic paint, command navigation, media interface, DVD player and private glass.
Free State Premier Ace Magashule also made headlines with his recent purchase of a R1,3million Mercedes- Benz S600. He blew a further R9,7million on 10 Mercedes- Benz S500s for his MECs.
Amid the splurge by the politicians Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has earned political kudos for buying a Lexus for R557673 and an Audi A8 for R590500.
“The last risk assessment conducted by the South African Police Service sometime before his appointment as minister necessitated measures to strengthen and increase his security. This included the provision of a car that is able to meet such requirements and respond to the needs of his diary,” the party said.
Motshekga followed in the steps of Nyanda, who had spent R2,5milion on two 7 series BMWs.
Both ministers’ offices pointed out that the vehicles they had bought were within the range of their car allowances.
However, opposition parties questioned the morality of such extravagance – in view of the current economic recession.
Yesterday Nzimande’s spokesperson Ranjeni Munusamy said the minister’s vehicle was bought to avoid high rental costs.
She said Nzimande bought the vehicle at a discount price with extra features already fitted.
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clipped from www.sowetan.co.za
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