Cargate: Extras constitute a three quarters of a million rand collective ego-trip

A reply to a Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary question reveals that the Department of Tourism has spent a total of R1.5-million on new ministerial vehicles for Deputy Minister Thokozile Xasa.

The reply shows that the ministry bought two new BMW 550i 2009 model sedans, at a total cost of R1 521 000.

Significantly, the Deputy Minister spent a total of R124,000 on accessories, which included:

• night vision;
• protection glaze;
• park distance control;
• navigation system; and
• rear screen blind

This brings the total amount spent by ministers and deputy ministers on vehicle extras to at least R740,371.00 since Jacob Zuma's inauguration in May, while the total amount spent on ministerial vehicles now stands at R41,421,756.00.

The figure of R740,000 also excludes several replies where ministries have failed to distinguish between the total cost and the cost of accessories, and also does not include the 4 ministers and 11 deputy ministers who have yet to respond to our parliamentary questions.

Spending R41-million on luxury cars is certainly a waste of money, but spending three quarters of a million rand on unnecessary extras is absolute indulgence on a grand scale, and quite inconceivable at a time of economic recession.

The amount spent on extras reveals the true motivation for these purchases. They are not tools to help the ministers do their jobs, they are extensions of the ministers' egos.

Extras bought by ministers and deputy ministers have so far included:

• Dynamic Drive (body roll stabilisation);
• Three spoke sports leather steering wheel;
• Electric Rear Screen Roller Sun blind, and various other rear window sunblinds;
• Active cruise control with Stop & Go function;
• Rear-seat entertainment;
• High-gloss satin chrome;
• Sun protection glazing;
• Special wheel design;
• rear view camera;
• ceramic surround for controls;
• ambient interior lighting;
• adaptive headlights and Xenon active lights;
• high beam assist;
• lane departure warning;
• Customised steering wheels - including Sports leather and Black wooden/leather;
• extended light package;
• tow-bar with removable head;
• Mudguards;
• Park distance control;
• Rear window;
• Black wooden/leather steering wheel;
• Navigation system;
• Night vision;
• Metallic paint;
• Rear screen blind;
• Media interface;
• DVD player;
• Technical off road package;
• Heated seats;
• Sunroof;
• Run flat;
• Private glass;
• Sport suspension; and
• Electric seat adjustment.

The DA will add these items to our Wasteful Expenditure Monitor, and we reiterate our call for cabinet to implement the DA's proposed changes to the ministerial handbook, which are already being adopted in the Western Cape.

PARLIAMENTARY REPLY:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

(For written reply)

QUESTION NO. 1179

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 September 2009

Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

(1) Whether his Deputy Minister or his department purchased a new vehicle on the Deputy Minister's appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether she inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle?

REPLY NW1514E

(1) Yes, The Department of Tourism has procured two vehicles for the newly appointed Deputy Minister, Ms T Xasa. The Deputy Minister from the onset instructed the Department that she does not wish to use the maximum amount available for procuring the vehicles.

(a) The Department of Tourism is a new Department that was announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa in May 2009. There are therefore no previous vehicles available for the Deputy Minister.

(b) Two BMW 550i, 2009 model sedan vehicles have been procured for the Deputy Minister's use in Cape Town and Pretoria, respectively.

(c) The total cost of the two vehicles amount to R1 521 000.

(d) The following accessories are included in the total price. Auto transmission, rear screen blind, park distance control, navigation system, night vision and protection glaze. The cost of the accessories amount to R124 200.

(2) No

Statement issued by Marian Shinn, MP, Democratic Alliance deputy shadow minister of tourism, October 12 2009

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