Response to enquiries about the use and procurement of government vehicles
The Premier of Free State, Mr Ace Magashule has noted the enquiries, particularly from the Media24 group, about the use and procurement of government vehicles;
Regarding the vehicles procured by the provincial government for traditional leaders, government clarified that those vehicles had been budgeted for, and were bought to advance programmes to enhance nation building and social cohesion. We further indicated that government had set aside R39 million as relief fund for communities affected by the drought;
With regard to the Mercedes Benz vehicle bought by the provincial government for diplomats and other politicians, we must state that indeed a vehicle was procured and through proper supply chain processes;
Like all other vehicles procured by government, the vehicle in question was budgeted for.
The mentioned vehicle is part of government’s fleet of cars that are housed within the Government Garage. The car does not belong to any official or politician;
The purpose of the purchase of the vehicle is to ferry diplomats and other politicians visiting the province;
Over the years, the provincial government has created important diplomatic relations with various countries and provinces across the world;
The provincial government has visited, and received dignitaries from, various nations like the People’s Republic of China, the Autonomous Province of Madeira, Belarus, etc;
These relationships have already translated into tangible results that have a potential to contribute positively to the growth and development of our economy and human capital;
It is important that vehicles transporting both our leaders, and the foreign leaders visiting our province are treated with respect, humility and courtesy that they deserve;
Security considerations also feature prominently when we have to procure cars or arrange accommodation for diplomats and politicians visiting our province;
We also wish to urge media houses, editors and journalists, to be professional in investigating and reporting about any issue;
All media houses have a moral responsibility to operate freely and without any involvement in the political arena.
As an example of our epochal achievements, on 10 December 2015, we handed houses to military veterans in Lourierpark, Bloemfontein. Amongst the beneficiaries was 88 years old former Private of the Army, Albert Frederick Christensen, an Afrikaner who fought in the Second World War;
Enquiries:
Mr Tiisetso Makhele
E-mail: tiisetso.makhele@fspremier.gov.za
Cell: 076 833 0033
