R1.6 million spent on luxury cars for Tzaneen Mayor and Speaker  

7 September 2016

The DA has today written to the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Makoma Makhurupetje, requesting that he probe wasteful and fruitless expenditure at Greater Tzaneen Municipality after it wasted more than R1.6 million purchasing two new vehicles for the new Mayor, Maripe Mangena and its Speaker.

The purchase happened despite the municipality owing creditors more than R20 million that has since led to the sheriff of the court attaching the municipal assets last Friday.

The municipality purchased a lavish Mercedes Benz GLE 350 worth a staggering R1.2 million for the Mayor and another R480 000 to purchase another vehicle for the Speaker.

The purchase was made few days after the municipal elections and the DA unequivocally opposed this decision that was taken during a council meeting because the purchase was not budgeted for.

To spend over R1.6 million on luxury cars is a direct insult to the poorest members of the community. It is obvious that ANC cadres will continue to place their self-interest first before the interests of the people.

The DA is committed to putting the people first. The people's money must be spent on the people and not on politicians.

Just yesterday, the Mayor of the DA-led City of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga, put a stop to the purchase and lease of luxury vehicles for politicians. 10 BMW's - purchased by the previous ANC administration - will be donated to the Tshwane metro police department where they will be used in a newly formed anti-hijack unit. 

This is the DA difference where we govern. People elsewhere should expect nothing less. 

The DA strongly urges MEC Makhurupetje to accelerate the investigation and take action against officials who authorised the purchase by holding them accountable for this fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

We will further submit a motion in the next council meeting and to ensure that the money is well spent on accelerating the services to the people of Tzaneen.

The DA will not rest until the people and their needs come first again. 

Issued by Jacques Smalle, DA Provincial Spokesperson on COGHSTA, 7 September 2016