The purchase happened despite the municipality owing creditors more than R20 million that has since led to the sheriff of the court attaching the municipal assets last Friday.
The municipality purchased a lavish Mercedes Benz GLE 350 worth a staggering R1.2 million for the Mayor and another R480,000 to purchase another vehicle for the Speaker. The purchases were made only a few days after the municipal elections despite the opposition DA unequivocally opposing the decision.
The news of Tzaneen’s spending spreek broke just as the new Mayor of the DA-led City of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga, put a stop to any purchases and leasing of luxury vehicles for politicians. 10 BMW’s – purchased by the previous ANC administration – will be donated to the Tshwane metro police department where they will be used in a newly formed anti-hijack unit.
The DA says in a statement to spend over R1.6 million on luxury cars is a direct insult to the poorest members of the community. It is obvious that ANC cadres will continue to place their self-interest above the interests of the people.
