EDITOR – The Democratic Alliance in eThekwini has welcomed the news that the public protector’s probe into the purchase of two luxury vehicles worth R1.5 million for speaker Logie Naidoo and deputy mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala has now been completed.
Last year, the DA requested that the public protector investigate the purchase of the vehicles as the party believed it was unnecessary to acquire them when cheaper, less “bling” alternatives were available.
It was reported that the vehicles came fitted with fridges, satellite navigation systems and other luxury extras.
The DA attempted to obtain information on the purchases but was blocked by the city manager Sibusiso Sithole’s office.
The party also believed the purchases went against a National Treasury directive not to buy luxury vehicles due to the recession.
It is believed that a copy of the draft report will be made available to DA eThekwini ethics spokesman Dean Macpherson and other stakeholders by the end of next week.
This will allow any further comments based on findings of the investigation to be included.
Whatever the result of the report, the DA believes that this investigation is a victory for transparency and accountability.
Dean Macpherson
DA eThekwini Ethics Spokesman
