Chauffeurgate: KZN back-track suggests that national scrutiny is warranted

Following pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature has announced a much tougher policy on the use of chauffeur-driven vehicles by Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs). 

We highlighted the abuse of the policies designed to support MPLs with special needs in KwaZulu-Natal in a statement on 19 April.

The legislature's decision to insist on more comprehensive supporting documentation from medical specialists when MPs claim travel privileges is welcome. So too is the decision that all chauffeur-driven MPLs will have to reapply for this benefit.

We suspect that the abuse in KwaZulu-Natal may be indicative of a much broader problem. We know, for instance, that MPLs in Limpopo have used chauffeur-driven vehicles for personal and party-political purposes. 

We have requested an investigation by the Public Protector and have asked the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Richard Baloyi, to institute a ministerial commission of inquiry. The office of the Public Protector has acknowledged receipt of our request, but we have as yet received no response from the Minister. 

Provincial governments fall under the stewardship of the national Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The developments in KwaZulu-Natal should be of concern to the Minister and the extent of the abuse of chauffeur-driven vehicles by MPLs must be investigated. 

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, DA Shadow Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, May 6 2012

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