Manto gets a new Merc

2006-08-18 08:20

Nicolize Mulder

Johannesburg - A new luxury gold-coloured Mercedes Benz S500, with a special seat for short people, is waiting in the show room of a Gauteng car dealer for its new owner - Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

The car, at a cost of about R1m, is apparently the right medicine for the Health Minister, who regularly faces severe criticism about her Aids cures.

Beeld has been told confidentially that the car will probably be delivered as soon as the minister returns from the 16th international Aids conference taking place in Canada.

The health department's deputy director of ministerial affairs, Victor Khanyile, apparently ordered the car (a demonstration model) for the minister earlier this week.

The thirsty Mercedes with a 5,5 litre V8 petrol engine retails at R895 000, but informed sources say the minister has requested additional items costing R40 000, including electronically adjustable seats.

Tshabalala-Msimang has apparently also asked for an infra-red camera in the car's bonnet that can be activated at night to show a view of a road beyond the reach of the headlights.

The minister apparently requested financing as she did not pay cash for the car. Beeld's source says the invoice is in Tshabalala-Msimang's name.

Cabinet ministers receive a car allowance with which they can buy a private vehicle. The car may not be bought as part of a state contract or tender and if the person receives a big discount, it has to be declared.

Spokespeople for the health department were vague when asked about the new car on Thursday.

Charity Bhengu said the minister hasn't bought a new car recently.

"I also don't know if she's in the process of buying a vehicle." She suggested that the minister or her spokesperson, Sibani Mngadi, be asked about the vehicle as soon as they return from the Toronto Aids conference.

- Beeld