MBOMBELA – The office of the Premier has responded to media reports claiming that Premier David Mabuza had been splashing public funds on vehicles ever since he took over as Premier of Mpumalanga in 2009.
According to a statement issued by the office, Mabuza never bought a vehicle in the first two years of his term of office but used the vehicle that was utilised by the former Premier Mr Thabanga Makwetla [Lexus LS 460] up until the same vehicle started giving problems.
“It was only in 2011 that the Premier bought a car, a similar sedan, which regrettably ended up having mechanical problems as it had also accumulated a huge mileage, certainly needed to be exchanged. The vehicle is currently at the government garage awaiting disposal,” said spokesperson of the premier, Mr zibonele Mncwango.
Mncwango said that a Range Rover SUV was successively purchased in 2013 to allow the honourable Premier to be able to do his work efficiently and effectively, but it unfortunately also ended up having mechanical problems.
He added that the vehicle has since been traded-in with a similar one. Further an Audi A-8 was purchased in 2013 as a back-up car to assist in the event the Range Rover has problems or taken for service.
“We wish to state that all processes and regulations were followed in purchasing both vehicles for the Premier based on his entitlements. It should be noted that on a number of occasions, the Premier had to do his work utilising borrowed vehicles from the mayors and some members of the executive council.
It should also be noted that for a long time, the honourable Premier had to utilise the vehicles of Public Works, and Community Safety and Security MEC’s as well as the vehicle of the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Ndaweni Mahlangu,” added Mncwango.
