Agriculture Minister spends R800,000 on new car - DA calls for urgent consideration of austerity proposals

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for national government to give urgent consideration to austerity proposals (see here) 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.

* Includes costs of extras, but excludes ongoing vehicle tracking and insurance costs

The parliamentary reply follows below.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 352

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 03 JULY 2009 [IQP No 5 -2009]

FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 352 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Mr. L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether she purchased a new vehicle on her 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? NW412E

REPLY:

(1) Yes

(1)(a)  The vehicle of the former Minister, Ms Lulu Xingwana, was transferred to the Department of Arts and Culture at her request.

(1)(b) 2009 Mercedes Benz S350

(1)(c ) Cost price:  R780 253

(1)(d)(i) Black wooden/leather steering wheel and sunblinds rear window.

(1)(d)(ii) R 15 750,00

 (2) No. Refer to (1)(a) above.

Statement issued by Lindiwe Mazibuko, MP, Democratic Alliance national spokesperson, July 29 2009

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