The Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication reported to Cabinet on a matter raised in the media, namely the continued renting of vehicles for political office bearers.
Cabinet had at its fifth session in 2006, approved the purchase of new vehicles by the Government Garage to replace the leased vehicles at the end of the contract period on 31 May 2006. This included off-road vehicles for political office bearers, who had been given the choice of vehicle. After the choices had been made, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication had called for tenders for purchasing of the specified vehicles.
Although 75% of the vehicles had been delivered, there was a delay in the supply of Toyota vehicles due to the renovation of the Assembly plant in South Africa. Between the period of calling for tenders, placing orders and the delivery of vehicles, offices, ministries and agencies had to hire vehicles for short-term when they needed off-road vehicles.
The vehicles that have been delivered are currently at the Government Garage to be fitted with the e-fuelling system and additional fuel tanks before they will be distributed to the various office bearers. They are, however, available to be used on short and urgent trips.