ANC says no to new Merc
2009-07-02 08:42
Marisa Phillips
Welkom - The ANC is planning to throw a spanner in the works of a plan to buy a new car worth over R500 000 for the executive mayor of Matjhabeng.
At a council meeting, Ben Montshioa, acting executive mayor, amended the suggestion that a new car should be bought.
From the mayor's report it seems clear that the engine of the existing car, which was bought in 2006, was substantially damaged to the tune of over R140 000. The Mercedes-Benz E280 was bought in 2006 despite serious objections.
It is unclear why the engine is in this current condition.
Volksblad heard that harsh words were flung about at the ANC caucus when the purchase of the car was discussed this week.
Renting a car
Montshioa suggested that the existing car be repaired, the warranty and service record be checked, and that there should be negotiation with the dealership to ensure that a car is available while the other one is repaired.
Lately the council has been spending R21 000 per month to rent a vehicle for the mayor.
André Styger, DA council member, supported the ANC's suggestion.
He feels that under the current circumstances, that is the right decision. "It's just so tragic that a car which is only 30 months old, can be in such a condition.
"I hope that the city council will now realise that expensive German vehicles are not only expensive to buy, but also to maintain, and that we should keep that in mind the next time an official vehicle has to be purchased."
The new Mercedes-Benz E300, which would've been bought for the mayor, was introduced to South Africa a few weeks ago and costs over R600 000.
- Volksblad