MBOMBELA – The provincial government forked out R34 million for a fleet of brand-new vehicles which was handed over to Mpumalanga’s traditional leaders on Friday.
In a formal ceremony at Mbombela Stadium, each of the 58 senior traditional leaders of the province’s tribal authorities received a new car. As part of this fleet, new Mercedes-Benz ML 400s had also been purchased for each of the two Ndebele kings.
Ms Refilwe Mtsweni, MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), whose department made the purchase, said it was done to restore their dignity, and assist them in the the role they play in developing Mpumalanga’s rural areas.
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Cogta committed itself to serve amakhozi “at all times and with honour”.
Agriculture MEC, Mr Andries Gamede, whose department donated five heads of cattle to each chief, said it wasn’t about the cars, but ubuntu and the role traditional leaders could play in uniting the people.
Spokesman for Cogta, Mr George Mthwethwa, said the leaders had been given the opportunity to choose the vehicle from a pool, where the department’s budget permitted it.
He explained that the vehicles now belonged to the chiefs, who were responsible for maintenance and insurance payments.
“It is meant for them to do their work. The terrain they have to cover in their respective jurisdictions is bad,” Mthwethwa said.
He added that government might replace them once they had exceeded their service plans or warranties.
“At the end of the lifespan of the vehicles, government will have to go back to the drawing board to determine if we have the funds to replace these tools of the trade. For now, this is how far we can go.”
The number of vehicles purchased and their cost on the open market:
• 34 – Toyota Fortuner 3,0 D4D 4X4: R534 400 to R548 300
• 11 – Ford Ranger TDCI XLT: R458 900 to R566 900
• 9 – Audi Q5 TDI Quatro: R593 500
• 4 to Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2,8 diesel: R518 700 to R575 500.
