NELSPRUIT – A motion by the DA to establish a multiparty committee to investigate the procurement of luxury vehicles for the premier, Mr David Mabuza, was rejected by the ANC majority.
The party recently submitted the motion to the provincial legislature after it had been reported in January that Mabuza’s office spent about R5 million to purchase four new vehicles.
A sedan similar to a Lexus which Mabuza inherited from the former premier was purchased in 2011, a Range Rover SUV which later experienced mechanical problems was bought in 2013, an Audi A8 was acquired as backup car, and a BMW X5 was bought for Mabuza’s security detail.
His office had explained the premier had not bought any cars in the first two years of his term, and only did so once the vehicles started giving mechanical problems. Mr Zibonele Mncwango, Mabuza’s spokesman, said all the correct processes and regulations were followed in their purchasing.
National media reported that at least one of the cars was bought after minister of finance Mr Pravin Gordhan had announced cost limits on official vehicles to curb government spending.
The DA’s motion, brought forward by provincial party leader Mr Anthony Benadie, sought to either investigate the conduct and spending and possible violations of the ministerial handbook or alternatively to summon Mabuza to appear before the legislature disciplinary committee.
Benadie said the premier blatantly violated the prescripts of his privilege of office and ANC members of provincial legislature had failed to take action against him.
“In tabling the motion, the DA has now put the ANC in a position where its provincial office bearers formalised a decision to protect one of their own, and by so doing, have made themselves culpable and jointly responsible for what may become wasteful expenditure.”
The DA said it intended to request that the Public Protector (PP) and Auditor General investigate the alleged violation of the ministerial handbook. In February, the EFF also requested the PP’s office to look into the matter, saying the party was disgusted with the purchases.
