Correction (Published on 24 January):
On January 17, 2020, and in a report titled “Mayor gets new BMW X5,” Ridge Times reported that the Govan Mbeki Municipality procured a new BMW X5 for use by mayor, Ms Thandi Ngxonono. It has since transpired that she will be traveling in an X3 and not an X5. Ridge Times apologises for this mistake.
On January 17, Ridge Times reported that a BMW was procured for use by mayor, Ms Thandi Ngxonono.
Various political parties complained and indicated that the money spent could have been used for a more community-orientated purpose.
Although speaker Mr Nhlanipho Zuma explained that, according to a gazetted notice, the mayor should have protection and that the previous mayoral car was no longer safe.
Another comment has since been received from Govan Mbeki Municipality chief-of-staff and acting communications head, Benzi Ka-Soko.
He indicated that, according to a circular from treasury minister Tito Mboweni, executive mayors’ duty vehicles may not exceed R700 000.
He added that the X3 procured had cost R580 000 and was bought by national treasury through a transversal contract from a BMW dealer at a discount.
Original article:
HIGHVELD – Mr Nhlanipho Zuma, Speaker of council, has given reasons why the executive mayor, Ms Ngxonono, simply had to get a new car.
This came after residents and opposition parties raised concerns over the mayor’s new official vehicle, a BMW X5.
The concerned group said the money which had been used to buy a new car could have been channelled to the Eskom or Rand Water debt.
Mr Zuma said however, it is gazetted that both the mayor and Speaker should have protection and that the car that the mayor was using, was no longer safe.
He said the car was costing the municipality a lot on maintenance and it was compromising Ms Ngxonono’s safety.
“The law allows that officials’ cars may be replaced after 150 000 km. The car is in a poor overall condition, and it was a serious need that the mayor get a reliable car so that she will be able to perform her duties well.”
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/152424/bethal-water-pressure-low-gmm-rand-water-debt-high/
The Freedom Front Plus argued that the municipality could have used the money for a more noble cause rather than buying expensive cars.
Ms Aranda Nel-Buidendag, FF+ councillor, said: “Locals in Evander were without water for two weeks.
“This money could have been used for service delivery and in improving the lives of our people. They claim the old car had mechanical problems, however they are suppose to have a maintenance plan for that vehicle. I believe that was not going to be that costly.”
A concerned resident said this proves that the mayor and her executive have chosen their comfort over the development of the community.
He said they have totally ignored the living conditions of those in townships who are regularly faced with overflowing drains, sewage and constant power outages.
In Marikana at Kinross there are no roads and the young people of the area are unemployed.
He said the municipality has chosen to prioritise the comfort of the mayor over the people.
“This shows lack of leadership.
“A true leader would not be excited to drive in comfort while those she or he leads are suffering. They do not care about us.
“They should have used the money to address genuine problems which is being face by the municipality,” said a resident.
The Democratic Alliance expressed their dissatisfaction about Ms Ngxonono’s new car and said this is an unreasonable and bad decision by the ANC.
The party said they made several attempts in council meetings to stop the ANC from buying a new mayoral car, but no one wanted to listen.
Ms Ciska Jordan, DA caucus leader, said several practical proposals were tabled by the DA in the council to avoid hefty rental fees and the purchase of vehicles for political office bearers since the first underfunded budget was presented to the council.
“Considering the Eskom and Rand Water debt being over R1.5-billion, they have destroyed the trust that residents put in members of council.
“This is abusing the funds that are meant to deliver services, for the comfort of someone who should be acting as a civil servant and leading by example.
“Service delivery deteriorates under the financial constraint of the municipality daily, with residents bearing the brunt of experiencing to an unreasonable extent a dismal lack of service delivery this past December.”
She said prioritising a mayoral vehicle at such a time proves that the ruling ANC repeatedly expresses its disregard for the best interest of the people.
The Speaker did not comment on allegations that the new vehicle was purchased without a council resolution.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/152245/gmm-running-behind-electricity-upgrades-embalenhle/
