GAUTENG premier Nomvula Mokonyane yesterday scoffed at opposition claims that she had splurged more than R1 million on a luxury German vehicle.
Responding to a question from Jack Bloom - DA leader in the Gauteng provincial legislature - Mokonyane denied that she had acquired a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, allegedly at a cost of R1,259,000.
Last week, Bloom released a media statement in which he disclosed that Mokonyane was driving the swanky car, which he said was "at the very upper level" of the value allowed to the premier by the ministerial handbook.
The handbook entitles the premier to a vehicle that is 70% of the value of her annual salary of R1,789,873.
In contrast, Bloom noted, Western Cape premier Helen Zille uses a "mid-level 2010 Mercedes C300 that cost about R394,785.98.
Bloom said this was because members of the executive council in the DA-run province were limited to an official vehicle whose value was not more than 40% of their annual salaries.
However, Mokonyane shot down Bloom's claims, revealing that the car was not bought by her but leased in May last year from G-fleet - a vehicle management agency that does work for the government.
"We have not spent a million plus to buy a vehicle. That vehicle belongs to G-fleet and we leased it," she said.
"We are only paying for monthly lease, fuel, oil and toll fees," she said.
But Bloom hit back: "She is evading the fact that the monthly lease costs for this vehicle are much higher than for a lower-priced vehicle.
"So it is still an extra expense to taxpayers."
- Meanwhile, Community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko refused to tell DA member Fred Nel how many metro police officers had criminal records and what action would be taken against them.
Mazibuko told Nel that the question had been answered last November but deputy speaker, Steward Ngwenya, instructed the MEC to reply in a week's time.
- Johannesburg councillor Nokuthula Xaba's dual role as councillor and city employee also came into question.
Health MEC Ntombi Mekgwe told Bloom that Xaba's employment in her department would be terminated.
Vehicle is on lease - premier
GAUTENG premier Nomvula Mokonyane yesterday scoffed at opposition claims that she had splurged more than R1 million on a luxury German vehicle.
Responding to a question from Jack Bloom - DA leader in the Gauteng provincial legislature - Mokonyane denied that she had acquired a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, allegedly at a cost of R1,259,000.
Last week, Bloom released a media statement in which he disclosed that Mokonyane was driving the swanky car, which he said was "at the very upper level" of the value allowed to the premier by the ministerial handbook.
The handbook entitles the premier to a vehicle that is 70% of the value of her annual salary of R1,789,873.
In contrast, Bloom noted, Western Cape premier Helen Zille uses a "mid-level 2010 Mercedes C300 that cost about R394,785.98.
Bloom said this was because members of the executive council in the DA-run province were limited to an official vehicle whose value was not more than 40% of their annual salaries.
However, Mokonyane shot down Bloom's claims, revealing that the car was not bought by her but leased in May last year from G-fleet - a vehicle management agency that does work for the government.
"We have not spent a million plus to buy a vehicle. That vehicle belongs to G-fleet and we leased it," she said.
"We are only paying for monthly lease, fuel, oil and toll fees," she said.
But Bloom hit back: "She is evading the fact that the monthly lease costs for this vehicle are much higher than for a lower-priced vehicle.
"So it is still an extra expense to taxpayers."
Mazibuko told Nel that the question had been answered last November but deputy speaker, Steward Ngwenya, instructed the MEC to reply in a week's time.
Health MEC Ntombi Mekgwe told Bloom that Xaba's employment in her department would be terminated.
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