Davies defends R1.26m spent on two official cars

Cape Town - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) dismissed claims that it was extravagant by spending R1.26m on the purchase of two vehicles for Minister Rob Davies.

Department spokesperson Sidwell Medupe said in a statement on Wednesday that the vehicles that Minister Davies were using, had exceeded the 120 000 kilometres.

"[O]ne had done nearly 200 000kms and its use was deemed to be in violation of security regulation and transport policy for Executive Authorities."

Medupe said the R1.26m spent on the cars to be used in Cape Town and Pretoria was well below the amount as prescribed by the ministerial handbook.

"The amount spent on the purchase of the two official vehicles are well within the limit of the purchase of one vehicle as the Ministerial Handbook allows for Ministers to purchase official vehicles at 70% of their inclusive annual remuneration package which currently equates to approximately R1.6 million," he said.

"The Department is therefore of the view that the purchasing of the two vehicles does not amount to extravagance on the part of Minister Davies nor the department. Lastly, the Minister's choice of the vehicles purchased promoted local content as both vehicles are manufactured locally."