Transport Ministers: R1m for rental cars
The national Ministry of Transport has spent R1 million on car rentals over the last two years.
A reply to a DA parliamentary question reveals that the Ministry of Transport rented 92 vehicles over 298 days to travel 48 486 km.
This means on average, over the last two years, the Ministry spent:
R11 000 per car; or
R3 400 per day on rentals.
This is despite the fact that the Ministry of Transport has official vehicles available both in Cape Town and Pretoria for the Ministers' use. Most recently, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Sindi Chikunga, spent R1.5 million to purchase two new BMWs.
Last month, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced a "spending freeze" and Cabinet's commitment to tackle excessive spending on air travel, car hire, accommodation, catering and entertainment.
Since then, we have heard nothing about how this "spending freeze" will be enforced.
Public Service Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, should ensure that Minister Gordhan's proposals are solidified in an updated and enforceable Ministerial Handbook with strict punishment for violating the rules.
The DA has repeatedly called for the tabling of an updated Ministerial Handbook announced by President Jacob Zuma, in July 2009. 1571 days later, we continue to wait.
South Africans will not stand for mere promises of cut-backs ahead of the 2014 elections.
Where we govern throughout the country, DA administrations at all spheres of government are committed to financial prudence, transparent and accountable governance in service of all the people.
We are ready to implement similar measures where we are elected to govern in 2014.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION NO 1928
Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Transport:
What was the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year, (d) purpose, (e) date and/or dates, (f) financialcost and (g) sum total of kilometres driven in respect of each vehicle hired for use by (i) herand (ii) the Deputy Minister since 1 January 2012?
NW2277E
Reply:
The policy provides that "Members at a national level may be provided with one vehicle for usein Cape Town and one vehicle for use in Pretoria. It further provides for "Use of Incidental Vehicles for official purposes away from respected seats of office". Members are also allowed to make use of incidental or rented vehicles when on official duty. The Department of Transport has had three Ministers and two Deputy Ministers since January2012.
The Department rented (a) (i) 46 vehicles for the Ministers and (ii) 46 vehicles for theDeputy Minister and the total hiring cost was (b) (i) R1 015 169.19 and (ii) the vehicles wererented for official duties or purposes. (iii) Total of 298 days.(iv) (aa) & (bb) The rented vehicles were befitting for Ministerial use and in these instances thevehicles hired have been various makes and models and (v) 48 486 km was the total distance travelled.
Statement issued by Ian Ollis MP, DA Shadow Minister of Transport, November 21 2013
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