Limpopo royal houses receive BMW X5 handovers
CoGSTA MEC Basikopo Makamu hands over BMW X5 vehicles to Limpopo royal houses to support and strengthen traditional leadership structures.
LIMPOPO – Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGSTA) MEC Basikopo Makamu has handed over vehicles to some of Limpopo’s traditional kingdoms.
BMW X5 vehicles were presented to the Bapedi Kingship and the Balobedu Queenship.
Her Majesty Queen Regent Manyaku Thulare received her vehicle on Wednesday, April 22, while Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII received hers on Thursday, April 23.
Support for traditional leadership
Speaking at the handover, Makamu said the vehicles were long overdue and would help restore the dignity of traditional leaders.
He said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the institution of traditional leadership.
Phased rollout of vehicle programme
The department is procuring the vehicles through a phased approach. In the 2023/24 financial year, R110 million was approved for a two-year rollout.
Phase one saw R55 million allocated for the purchase of 102 vehicles, while phase two in the 2024/25 financial year set aside R38.5 million for 60 vehicles.
Ongoing allocations for traditional leaders
The department is currently purchasing nine additional vehicles for newly recognised senior traditional leaders and those whose disputes or legal matters have been resolved.
Eligible leaders may select vehicles up to the value of R550 000 and may top up to acquire their preferred models. Purchases are made through an RT contract, allowing the department to buy directly from dealerships.
5-year allocation cycle maintained
Vehicles are allocated to senior traditional leaders on a five-year cycle, based on the date they last received a vehicle, with the department maintaining records of qualifying dates.
