The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused ActionSA of hypocrisy and mendacity concerning the official vehicles fitted with blue lights utilized by its chief, Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.

In a Parliamentary response to questions posed by Action member of Parliament Athol Trollip, Steenhuisen admitted utilizing three autos fitted with blue lights value R2.8 million.

JOHN STEENHUISEN ADMITS THAT HE USES BLUE LIGHTS

Before the DA joined the Government of National Unity (GNU), the celebration’s federal chairperson, Helen Zille, insisted that DA ministers would not utilise state vehicles fitted with blue lights nor take two ministerial residences in Tshwane and Cape Town. The celebration was of the view that it is a waste of tax payers cash.

However, within the Parliamentary response, Steenhuisen stated the modes of transport he makes use of for official duties are departmental-owned government autos and air transport.

“Yes, all the executive vehicles are fitted with blue lights and the appropriate signalling systems,” he stated.

Further, Steenhuisen stated his present fleet of autos consists of a 2018 Audi Q7, a 2019 Toyota Prado, and a 2020 BMW X5. The mixed buy worth of the three autos is R2 806 906.

DA HITS BACK AT ACTIONSA

Following Steenhuisen’s response, the DA accused ActionSA of hypocrisy and sensationalism.

DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp stated all ministerial autos for DA cupboard ministers are inherited from the earlier administration, and the DA ministers themselves have strictly blocked the acquisition of recent autos.

Aucamp stated whereas all inherited autos are outfitted with blue lights, DA ministers have made it clear that the blue lights of their official autos won’t be used beneath any circumstances.

“The DA believes that no minister has the privilege to journey by way of blue mild convoys, which disrupt site visitors and grant ministers the unwarranted luxurious of not planning their journey and appointments correctly.

DA ministers, due to this fact, instructed their safety personnel to all the time abide by site visitors legal guidelines and never use blue lights for all ministerial journey.

“This is not a parliamentary perk. Instead, they are regarded as a tool of trade for members of the executive branch across the world. As has always been the practice, executive branch members are provided with two official vehicles, in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Official vehicles are only provided in these provinces. When executing official duties outside Gauteng or the Western Cape, vehicles are hired by the respective departments so that ministers can attend to their work,” Aucamp stated.

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