By, Marian Shinn.

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;
Rrear 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.

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