By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has conceded to using blue lights fitted luxury SUVs valued at nearly R3 million for his security detail.
ActionSA released a statement on Tuesday stating that Steenhuisen “enjoys the perks” of multiple blue-light luxury SUVs, including an Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Toyota Prado.
According to the statement, the purchase price of each of the vehicles exceeds R1 million.
In his written reply to ActionSA’s Parliamentary Question, Steenhuisen confirmed that each of his vehicles is fitted with blue lights and the appropriate signalling systems.
Action SA MP Dereleen James said his answer contradicts DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille’s public assertions that no DA Minister uses blue lights.
“While Steenhuisen tried to project the image of travelling in a modest Toyota Cross, his own reply reveals that he actually enjoys the comfort of a fleet of three blue-light luxury SUVs.
“While certainly not unique to Steenhuisen, this is emblematic of the extravagant luxury afforded to Ministers, where parking lots, such as those of Parliament, resemble luxury vehicle showrooms rather than institutions focused on prioritising the work of the people of South Africa,” James said.
She added that “hollow claims” of standing against wasteful expenditure and the abuse of state resources only lend credence to evident concerns that the GNU has become nothing more than a convenient political arrangement between the ANC and DA, offering no real reforms.
James added that while Saps struggled to equip police stations with basic vehicles and, therefore, limiting the police’s ability to combat rising violent crime, “the bloated billion-rand Cabinet lives in a bubble of luxury and security — paid for by the very taxpayers who are being forced to tighten their belts”.