Priority check – luxury SUV or service delivery

A heated battle has erupted during the council sitting over a recommendation that R1.5m be spent on new wheels for the mayor, the Speaker and the Chief Whip. During the year’s first council sitting, Municipal Manager (MM) Sizwe Mayisela submitted a proposal to acquire the three new cars. Municipal spokesperson Lebo Mofokeng said the municipality justifies the move because as the current vehicles used by the political office bearers are old and the costs of repairs and replacement are astronomical.

The Speaker’s 2013 Lexus has clocked 443 873 km and is described as a ‘death trap’ with compromised brakes and engine issues. The Speaker is currently using a rental vehicle, reportedly funded through a private security contract. The mayor’s 2017 Audi Q7 has reached 271 042 km, far exceeding the 100 000 km replacement policy.

”There is no justification for R1.5 million vehicles while the municipality defaults on creditors and struggles with basic service delivery,” said DA Councillor Maureen Scheepers. The party argues that a R750 000 vehicle is more than sufficient for safety and reliability. The council reacted, “The circular by SALGA was only meant to solicit comments and the proposal by the MM was made after having considered the state of the current vehicles used by the political office bearers and the costs of repairs and replacement.” As eMalahleni remains under a financial recovery plan, residents are left questioning why luxury SUVs are being prioritized over fixing the city’s crumbling infrastructure.

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