Media Statement on Premier Mabuza’s state vehicles
10 January 2014
The Office of the Premier would like to respond to media reports that states that Mr David Mabuza had been splashing public funds on vehicles ever since he took over as Premier of Mpumalanga in 2009.
We would like to put it clear that Premier Mabuza never bought a vehicle in the first two years of his term of office. In actual fact, he used the vehicle that was being utilised by the former Premier Mr Thabang 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.
A Range Rover SUV was successively purchased in 2013 to allow the honourable Premier to be able to do his work efficiently and effectively, unfortunately it also ended up having mechanical problems; 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.
There were times when the Premier’s security was challenged as he was even involved on two accidents due to lack of advance vehicles for his protectors. It should also be noted that Mpumalanga is indeed a rural province and the Premier’s work is not only in the urban areas.
The media report state that the Premier bought himself a BMW X5, we can confirm that but further explain that the vehicle was given to the protectors as the allocation and the delivery of a VIP vehicle from SAPS to our province was delayed and yet the Premier’s guards had no vehicle.
The need for off-road vehicle and a back-up car would always be a necessity considering the Premier’s scope of work and security around his life. It has been noted that the arrival of the two vehicles has made the Premier work much easier as he easily accesses far flung and very remote areas with no difficulties.
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier
Tel: (013) 766 2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
E-mail: zmncwango@mpg.gov.za
