Blade Nzimande gets R1,1m BMW 750i - DA
Cargate: Hypocrisy reigns supreme - Blade's R1 million vehicle
The reply to a DA parliamentary question has revealed that the Department of Higher Education has purchased a new R1.1 million BMW 7501 for Minister Blade Nzimande.
It is not insignificant that Nzimande is also the General-Secretary of the South Africa Communist Party (SACP). Speaking in this capacity, in June this year, and endorsing the principles and values behind Nelson Mandela Day, Nzimande stated:
"...Nelson Mandela Day must also be a re-affirmation of the values he has come to represent - that of social solidarity, selflessness, dedication, equity and fairness! It is through the consistent inculcation of these values that we can roll back the greed, corruption and selfishness of capitalism."
Two months later he has approved over R1 million for a luxury car, for his personal use - which is self-indulgent, unnecessary and extravagant.
So much for rolling back the greed and selfishness of capitalism. It appears that only the very best will do for the leaders of the working class.
In fact, when set alongside his recent comments, Minister Nzimande's purchase of this vehicle gets to the heart of what is wrong with this ANC government and its alliance partners. The ANC cannot understand the connection between the behaviour - or, more accurately, misbehaviour - of its public representatives, and the lives of ordinary South Africans.
When a minister spends R1-million on luxury vehicles, that is R1-million less that can be spent elsewhere. Remember, this is the self-same minister who recently berated our leading academic research institutions for having too much money (which is was both technically wrong and principally wrongheaded). One wonders how many graduates R1.1 million could produce?
Minister Nzimande's purchase places him near the top of the wasteful ministerial vehicle buyers:
|
Minister |
Department |
Vehicle |
Total Cost* |
Extras |
|
Ace Magashule |
Premier of the Free State |
Mercedes Benz S600 |
R1 300 000 |
|
|
Siphiwe Nyanda |
Communications (Pretoria) |
BMW 750i, 2009 model |
R1 271 800 |
Dynamic Drive (body roll stabilisation); Sports leather steering wheel (3 spoke); Electric Rear Screen Roller Sun blind with manual side blinds; Active cruise control with Stop & Go function; Rear-seat entertainment; High-gloss satin chrome; Sun protection glazing; Special wheel design recommended for the 750i; rear view camera; ceramic surround for controls; ambient interior lighting; adaptive headlights; high beam assist; lane departure warning; lane change warning |
|
Siphiwe Nyanda |
Communications (Cape Town) |
BMW 750i, 2009 model |
R1 147 600
|
Sports leather steering wheel (3 spoke); Rear view camera; High Beam Assist; Special wheel design recommended for the 750i |
|
Blade Nzimande |
Higher Education and Training (Pretoria) |
BMW 750i, 2009 model |
R1 110 750 |
Not disclosed |
|
Free State MECs x10 |
Free State Provincial Government |
Mercedes Benz S500 x10 |
R970 000 x 10 = R9.7m (Source) |
|
|
Angie Motshekga |
Basic Education (Cape Town) |
BMW 730D |
R894 500
|
None |
|
Angie Motshekga |
Basic Education (Pretoria) |
Range Rover Sport TDV8 |
R809 592 |
Mudguards |
|
Tina Joemat-Petterson |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
Mercedes Benz 2009 S350 |
R796 003 |
Black wooden/leather steering wheel and sunblinds rear window |
|
Naledi Pandor |
Science and Technology (Pretoria) |
Mercedes Benz 2009 S250 |
R711 718 |
Metallic paint, Command navigation, Media interface, DVD player, Technical off road package, Heated front seats, Xenon active lights, Sunroof, Run flat, Private glass |
|
Naledi Pandor |
Science and Technology (Cape Town) |
Mercedes Benz 2009 S250 |
R695 095 |
Metallic paint, Command navigation, Media interface, DVD player, Technical off road package, Heated front seats, Xenon active lights, Sunroof, Run flat, Private glass |
|
Nathi Mthethwa |
Police |
2008 BMW X5 3.0D |
R685 091 |
"Included" reverse cameras; navigation system; sport suspension; sunroof; and electric seat adjustment. |
|
Nathi Mthethwa |
Police |
2008 BMW X5 3.0D |
R677 270 |
"Included" reverse cameras; navigation system; sport suspension; sunroof; and electric seat adjustment |
|
Pravin Gordhan |
Finance |
Audi A6 3.0T |
R590 500 |
- |
|
Pravin Gordhan |
Finance |
Lexus GS 300 SE |
R557 673 |
- |
* Includes costs of extras, but excludes ongoing vehicle tracking and insurance costs
Statement issued by Wilmot James, MP, Democratic Alliance shadow minister of higher education and training, September 2 2009
[The SACP's reply to this statement can be found here].
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Comments
Strike a blow for the poor and downtrodden workers there Blade ......
Guess it is true what they say, all communists are equal, just some are more equal than others.
by Realist on September 02 2009, 10:19
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Some comrades are more equal than others!
by Noddy on September 02 2009, 10:30
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Does this mean Blade is a capitalist or is every citizen also getting a fancy BM?
by Mac on September 02 2009, 10:35
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IF COMMUNISM IS NOT RELEVANT IN THESE DAYS AND TIMES, WHY NOT JUST COME OUT AND SAY IT BLADE. BLADE==LEFT, BLADE==PREACHER OF HARD CORE COMMUNISM (MARXISM THE WORKS). LETS JUST SAY COMMUNISM IS DEAD AND FIND ANOTHER WAY TO ENGAGE THE WORKING CLASS!!
by WHAT on September 02 2009, 11:17
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Welcome to the New South African 'Nomenclatura' - i.e. anti-capitalist on the outside and capitalist on the inside .... or Is it all a Big Bluff , eh .... "just the media telling nasty stories again, morre spin" and that this Orwellian monster is just . .more
by selcool on September 02 2009, 11:21
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it is interesting that minister gordhan has selected the cheapest car in the group. what a great example he sets for everybody. beside having brains, this man clearly is decent and carries himself with tremendous dignity.
by observer on September 02 2009, 12:42
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To the front of the phuqing trough! It makes me want to vomit to think that something as ignorant as a commie rides around in luxury whilst good people starve. Commies deserve nothing more than a phuqing bicycle.
by Swaar on September 02 2009, 13:07
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Once again this shows the hypocracy which all these "lefties" exhibit. I have never yet met a so called "Communist" that is genuine; they are all utter false and merely look after themselves. Unfortunately, the masses cannot see through their charade . .more
by neil on September 02 2009, 13:44
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THEY ARE ALL COMMUNISTS WHEN STILL OUTSIDE, AS SOON AS INSIDE THEY ARE P******* CAPITALISTS.
SHAME TO YOU BLADE NZIMANDE,AFTERALL, MBEKI WAS CORRECT, YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARILY ARROGANT FOR YOU TO EVEN THINK YOU CAN SELL THE UNSUSPECTING PEASANTS . .more
by CHENEYBUSH on September 02 2009, 14:02
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You call R600 000 odd each cheap!!! R1.2mil for two cars?That not cheap-it is a F@king disgrace.
by AA on September 02 2009, 14:09
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South Africans are very good at faking their intentions.
Fong kong was a word created by south africans so now they can keep it
and be called fong kongers instead of black diamonds
by SACP on September 02 2009, 14:20
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I wonder if the majority would have the courage to vote not based on race but on
integrity
by syic on September 02 2009, 14:23
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I wonder what comrade malema drives???
by robin hood on September 02 2009, 14:28
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In the "good old days" we had protesting (by means of rioting) which was DEMOCRACY IN ACTION. it achieved it's goal.
Nowadays, those same people are protesting (by means of rioting) against their own Democratically elected leaders. Those same leaders . .more
by Ajay on September 02 2009, 14:34
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Its DOCTOR Nzimande and most doctors drive fancy cars. Let those without doctorates not cast the first stone. The doctor is a liberation hero and an intellectual giant - its his right to drive whatever he wants too.
by Young Patriot on September 02 2009, 15:41
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After all Julius Malema was correct when he spoke of coward, fake communist...including the young communists...
by Cuz on September 02 2009, 15:43
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Does communism exist outside libraries. Has communism just become another secret society?? If a communist owns shares in companies is he not being a hypocrite and how exactly is it justified ??
by quest on September 02 2009, 16:04
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Aren't BMWs creation of Capitalists? They call him a Dr, but really what is Sociology? No student is his right mind will study such rubbish even to 3rd year level. It attracted a lot of us at first yr coz of fancy name but the 2nd yr class was empty and . .more
by Mute Fool on September 02 2009, 16:55
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The pigs are gorging themselves to death at the trough.
by Tony T on September 02 2009, 17:59
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RED RED WINE...............
by RED RED WINE............... on September 02 2009, 20:21
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Blade just scored a bulls eye against his sanctimonius self.
What a deep thrill of pleaseure it gives me to see the loudmouths trip and fall over their own greed.
Every communist is a liar about their beliefs - God bless you Blade for . .more
by Andy on September 03 2009, 01:12
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Is Young Patriot for real ?? "Its DOCTOR Nzimande and most doctors drive fancy cars" If so, I cannot agree more that it's his right to drive whatever he wants...just as I can drive whatever I want.Difference is that I am financing what I drive with my OWN . .more
by abel on September 03 2009, 06:27
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What do all the other commies have to say about this car? Slovo must be rolling in his grave!
by js on September 03 2009, 07:08
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There were always lots of nice babes in sociology!
by kim on September 03 2009, 07:10
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Domza, where are you now that we need you most!
by js on September 03 2009, 07:11
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would buy it with your own cash? Easy when you get to dip your fingers in the till, hey my man?
by Piet on September 03 2009, 07:39
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Well done Blade. U deserve it Mr. Minister of Higher Education, while the poor u claim to represent will always walk on foot. Oh Mr. Minister, tell me, why did u not go for those Russian made cars but chose the BMW? Does this mean Capitalism is better . .more
by Nwali on September 03 2009, 07:50
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One must marvel at how thick-skinned the leading communist is
As leader of a parasitic party which has no support at the polls he has influence way beyond the abilities of his puny intellect, commands an obscenely fat ministerial salary, and . .more
by Flebus on September 03 2009, 08:41
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Young Patriot are you dellusional? Even if Blade was a Rocket Scientist it wouldn't make the slightest difference. He is welcome to drive any car that he wants, as long as HE pays for it. That is how capitalism works. Driving any car that our politicians . .more
by Rocket Scientist on September 03 2009, 10:58
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@ abel: excuse me abel, but the money used to buy these vehicles DO NOT belong to the GOVERMENT it belongs to the people and the ANC was elected into government by the people, to spend it wisely where needed most. Is that happening? 1000 x NO! . .more
by Pupolema on September 03 2009, 14:40
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No, you critics got it wrong. You fell for a rumour.The Hon Minister of Higher and Higher Education would never sit in a luxury car. He is a communist! And if you ever see him in a BMW, he was forced to use it. Besides it's not his car. Stop being so . .more
by Klaus in RSA on September 03 2009, 23:31
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