For the cash purchase of a new Chrysler Jeep SUV, bought for the Mogale City Speaker of Council at an enormous cost of R638 000 to taxpayers, the correct procurement process was not followed, states the local DA.
This was reported to Council only on 31 March, four months after the Speaker took possession of the high-end price vehicle. The council dispensed with calling for tenders for this purchase, which is contrary to the requirements of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, hence the necessity to report the deviation to Council.
“It is accepted that the Speaker and the Executive Mayor are entitled to the use of an official vehicle. Why would it then be necessary to acquire a vehicle of this calibre when a Toyota Corolla 1.6, costing R225 000 or a Hyundai IX, priced at R319 000, would suffice? The IX 35 is not a 4×4 but has roughly the same cabin size, is more economical and has much better ground clearance than her previous Corolla,” says DA party representative Councillor Richard Lees.
Lees asks, “Does she need a 4×4 and if so why? I have been driving offroad for years and have never had the need to make use of my vehicle’s 4×4 capacity anywhere in Mogale other than for recreational purposes. I travel to all constituencies, including rural and farm areas and often have done this quite easily in my wife’s VW Golf.
“I question the reasons that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is used to purchase a luxurious vehicle for our Speaker. I also question the procurement procedure that was followed.
“I wonder if she will be visiting the areas that have no sanitation, electricity, running water or refuse removal in her new SUV and, if she does, she would not need a 4×4. I know this because I have been there and seen the suffering.”
Councillor Lynn Pannall echoed the concerns of her DA colleague about the scandalous dispensing of the normal procurement process by the ANC Council.
“If the ANC had waited only four months, the contract for the leasing of Council vehicles would have been finalised and a vehicle could have been acquired as part of the leased fleet at a much reduced cost to taxpayers.
“It is extremely difficult to defend the indefensible,“ continued Pannall.
“The reason provided to Council by the ANC for not following the procurement process was that it was impractical – a cliched, hollow generalisation to defend what is certainly not a minor breach of the municipal procurement processes. Equally damning is that it decided to buy the vehicle for cash even though it struggles to pay its Eskom account at month end.
“This shameful need for ostentation and brazenness reminds one of Nkandla, blue light convoys, unnecessary gala dinners, Guptagate – all amidst a complete disregard for regulations. If only the ANC would eat humble pie instead of this tasteless display of lavishness,” concluded Pannall.
