Brand new wheels for Polokwane Mayor, Speaker coming soon

Polokwane Executive Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng and Speaker, Mariri Ralefatane will soon have new official vehicles after council recently resolved to replace the existing vehicles that have reached the end of their economic lifespans.
Nkadimeng currently uses a Mercedes-Benz ML350 that was procured during 2015 and that has already covered more than 195 000 km,
while Ralefatane’s Lexus RX350 that was purchased during 2014, has more than 199 000 km on the clock.
According to the report tabled in council, the service plans for both vehicles have expired and the operational cost of both vehicles are currently very high due to wear and tear.
Quotations obtained from service providers indicated that similar vehicles may cost between R1,1 and R1,2 million on the retail market.
The municipality is allowed to purchase vehicles through the government’s transversal contract (RT 57) and opted to purchase two BMW X5s through this contract, saving in the region of 30% on the package, the report stated and confirmed that the procurement of the vehicles will be compliant with legislation.

Story & photo: BARRY VILJOEN
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