These are the expensive cars South Africa’s ministers drive
After an extensive investigation, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed just how much members of the South African government have spent on vehicles.
A total of R 41 960 075,91 has been spent on luxury vehicles for the country’s ministers between the period of 2014 to 2017.
“This is money that could have been better spent on supporting emerging black farmers, who are in desperate need of financial assistance from the government,” said DA shadow minister of public service and administration, Desiree Van Der Walt.
Also read: Transport Minister to launch 2017 Easter Road Safety campaign
The Department of Rural Development has spent the most on cars with a combined total of R 5 505 351,65 across the three ministers.
Other top spending departments include:
- Department of Transport: R3,453,870
- Department of Justice: R3,275,138
- Department of Public Enterprise: R2,669,377
- Department of Agriculture: R2,502,425
- Department of Telecommunications: R2,383,769
Here is a breakdown of the car make, purchase year and most importantly the price tag:
Department of Arts and Culture
- Minister Nathi Mthethwa – BMW 5 Series R 740 299,99
- Deputy Rejoice Mabudafhasi – Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 R 973 704,00 and R 977 064
Department of Higher Education
- Minister Blade Nzimande – Audi Q7 R 680 878,04
- Deputy Mduduzi Manana – BMW 335GT R 727 770,02
Department of Trade and Industry
- Rob Davies – Toyota Fortuner (x2) R438 000,00
One of the cheaper vehicles on the list, the Toyota Fortuner. Read the review here.
Department of Public Service
- Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi – Ford Everest R 714 500,40
- Deputy Ayanda Dlodlo – Audi A8 and A7 R 750 000,00 and R 735 700,00
Department of Telecommunications
- Minister Siyabonga Cwele – Audi Q7 and Jeep Grand Cherokee R 681 841,98 and R 626 661,00
- Deputy Hlengiwe Mkhizi – Lexus ES250 and Jeep Grand Cherokee R 438 152,16 and R 637 114,00
Department of Tourism
- Deputy Tokozile Xasa – Audi Q7 and Jeep Grand Cherokee R 878 701,47 and R 762 443,19
Department of Transport
- Minister Dipuo Peters – BMW X5 Series and Lexus LX570 R 789 924,00 and R 1 084 312,37
- Deputy Lydia Chikunga – BMW X6 and BMW 535i Gran Turismo R 790 000,00 and R 789 634,50
Four ministers have bought the BMW X5, watch Juliet’s review here:
Department of Science and Technology
- Minister Naledi Pandor – Audi Q7 (x2) R 697 733,58 and R 798 020,53
Department of Mineral Resources
- Minister Mosebeni Zwane – Mercedes-Benz E400 R 1 200 000,00
- Deputy Godfrey Oliphant – Porsche Cayanne R 1 300 000,00
Department of Women
- Minister Susan Shabangu – BMW GT 550 R 926 007,61
Department of Finance
- Deputy Mcebisi Jonas – Mercedes Benz E200 R 661 387,01
Department of Home Affairs
- Minister Malusi Gigaba – BMW 535i Sedan R 750 122,76
Department of Public Enterprise
- Minister Lynne Brown – Lexus ES Hybrid and Lexus ES350 R 514 649,74 and R 464 819,04
- Deputy Bulelani Magwanishe – Audi A8 and Lexus 460 R 881 629,99 and R 808 279,00
Department of Labour
- Minister Nelisiwe Oliphant – Toyota Fortuner, Audi A6 and Jeep Grand Cherokee R 469 450,88, R 513 508,08 and R 899 241,00
Department of Agriculture
- Minister Senzeni Zokwana – Audi Q7 (x2) R 630 953,38 and R 626 199,72
- Deputy Bheki Cele – Jeep Cherokee (x2) R 622 661,00
The Audi Q7 seems to a popular vehicle amongst the ministers, read Juliet’s driving review here.
Department of Basic Education
- Minister Angie Motshekga – BMW 5 Series Sedan and Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 R 769 022,76 and R 849 900,00
- Deputy Mohamed Enver Surty – Audi Q7 R 680 878,04
Department of Justice
- Minister John Jeffery – Lexus ES250 (x2) R 438 152,00
- Deputy Thabang Makwetla – Mercedes-Benz S400 and Mercedes-Benz ML400 R 1 198 834,19 and R 1 200 000,00
Department of Rural Development
- Minister Gugile Nkwinti – Audi Q7 (x2) R 731 548,34 and R 1 039 872,66
- Deputy Candith Mashego Dlamini – Mercedes-Benz ML350 (x2) R 898 155,41 and R 898 155,41
- Deputy Mcebisi Skwatsha – Mercedes-Benz ML350 (x2) R 999 864,41 and R 937 755,42
Department of Public Works
- Minister Thulas Nxesi – BMW X5 Series R 918 459,61
- Deputy Jeremy Cronin – Volkswagen Touareg and BMW 535i R 709 484,00 and R 681 432,32
Department of Presidency
- Deputy Buti Manamela – Audi Q7 R 971 432,76
Total: R 41 960 075,91
Source: BusinessTech