by South Africa’s Cabinet Ministers have long used the full breadth of their privilege to purchase luxurious cars. This ‘privilege’ has been a great source of contention to many who see it as an excessive and unnecessary cost. In the direct backdrop of South Africa’s tumultuous economic pace, millions waiting for social grants and abject poverty, it is difficult not to agree.
According to data by the DA, over R17.5 million has been spent on luxury cars since 2014. Popular brands amongst ministers include Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jeep.
The 2016/17 budget set aside R10 million for Minister car purchases. The DA decided to investigate how much money had been spent on vehicles by all Cabinet Ministers.
Ministerial Car Allowance
According to the controversial ministerial handbook, Cabinet Ministers are allowed two vehicles to be used in Cape Town and Pretoria. The value of the vehicle may not be more than 70% of the minister’s salary.
This means that with an annual salary of R2.3 million for Ministers, and R1.9 million for deputies, government officials are technically allowed cars valued at R1.6 million or R1.3 million for deputies.
So, What Are South Africa’s Ministers Driving?
Below, we look at the luxurious cars that the Members of Parliament are driving on a day-to-day basis.
Audi Q7 – R680 878 – R971 424
Who Drives The Audi Q7?
- Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela
- Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor
- Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of Telecoms
- Minister of Education Angie Motshekga
- Deputy Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa
Audi A7 – R750 000
Who Drives A 2016 Audi A7?
- Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo.
Audi A8 – R723 000
Who Drives A 2016 Audi A8?
- Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo.
Mercedes Benz ML400 – R962 793
Who Drives a Mercedes-Benz ML400?
- Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi
- Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa
BMW X5 – R887 168 – R1.065 million
Who Drives a BMW X5?
- Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi
- Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi
BMW 335G – R727 770
Who Drives A BMW 335G ?
- Deputy Minister of Basic Education Enver Surty
BMW 5-Series Sedan – R742 426
Who Drives A BMW 5-Series Sedan?
- Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has two.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 Overland – R626 661
Who Drives A Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 Overland?
- Minister of Telecoms Siyabonga Cwele
- Deputy Minister of Telecoms Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize
Whatsapp 076 888 4931.
Lexus ES250 – R438 152
Who Drives A Lexus ES250?
- Deputy Minister of Telecoms Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize
Mercedes-Benz S400 – R1.3 million
Who Drives A Mercedes-Benz S400?
- Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane
Porsche Cayenne – R1.3 million
Who Drives A Porsche Cayenne?
- Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Godfrey Oliphant
Ford Everest – R714 500
Who Drives A Ford Everest?
- Minister of Public Service and Administration Ngoako Ramatlhodi
Toyota Fortuner – R625 719
Who Drives A Toyota Fortuner?
- Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies (owns two)
And now you know.
