In a written reply to a parliamentary question, posed by the Democratic Alliance, he said the new vehicles — both 2009 BMW 750i models — cost R1 135 500 each.

His reply also reveals that the cars are fitted with R148 400 worth of trimmings. These include a R23 400 "rear-seat entertainment" system and a R5 600 "high-gloss satin chrome" paint job for one of the cars.

Nyanda said the existing official vehicles available for him had either done more than 120 000km, or were more than five years old, and in terms of the Cabinet-approved Ministerial Handbook he was entitled to new ones.

"The vehicle for use in Cape Town was nine years old, and had reached 115 072km. The vehicle for use in Pretoria was four years old, and had reached 137 194km," he said.

The trimmings on the luxury car based in Pretoria include a R35 800 "innovation's package" of:

lane departure warning and lane change warnings

Its Cape Town twin is fitted with a three-spoke leather steering wheel. It too has a rear-view camera.

In a statement on Thursday, DA communications spokesperson Lindiwe Mazibuko described the purchase of the vehicles as "frivolous and a massive waste of public money".

Her party is said to be submitting follow-up questions on the matter.

"During this time of economic crisis when hundreds of thousands of ordinary South Africans are losing their jobs and businesses across the country are shutting down, government should be setting the tone for austerity and sound financial management," she said.

Sapa

RSS

Digg

de.li.cious

facebook

» MORE MOTORING

A big fat zero It's not often you hear of a company that wants a zero score - but Renault's plans depend on it.

Ronaldo makes it slick Tired of dumbed-down ads for car products? Try this one by footballer Ronaldo for size.

Old tricks, new name A new craze among US drivers to employ fanatical fuel-saving methods is coming to a road near you.