Despite claims that DA Ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) do not utilise blue lights, ActionSA has revealed that the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, uses this privilege.
ActionSA released a statement on Tuesday stating that Steenhuisen "enjoys the perks" of multiple blue-light luxury SUVs, including an Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Toyota Prado.
According to the statement, the purchase price of each of the vehicles exceeds R1 million.
In his written reply to ActionSA's Parliamentary Question, Steenhuisen confirmed that each of his vehicles is fitted with blue lights and the appropriate signalling systems.
Action SA MP Dereleen James said his answer contradicts DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille's public assertions that no DA Minister uses blue lights.
"While Steenhuisen tried to project the image of travelling in a modest Toyota Cross, his own reply reveals that he actually enjoys the comfort of a fleet of three blue-light luxury SUVs.
"While certainly not unique to Steenhuisen, this is emblematic of the extravagant luxury afforded to Ministers, where parking lots, such as those of Parliament, resemble luxury vehicle showrooms rather than institutions focused on prioritising the work of the people of South Africa," James said.
She added that "hollow claims" of standing against wasteful expenditure and the abuse of state resources only lend credence to evident concerns that the GNU has become nothing more than a convenient political arrangement between the ANC and DA, offering no real reforms.
"While SAPS battles to equip police stations with basic vehicles, crippling its ability to combat escalating violent crime and leaving South Africans vulnerable, the bloated billion-rand Cabinet live in a bubble of luxury and security, paid for by the very taxpayers who are being forced to tighten their belts," she said.
ActionSA also received a response to their Parliamentary Question regarding ministerial travel expenses.
They say exorbitant amounts are being spent on overseas travel and related perks, which they believe illustrates that the GNU is not a modest, caring government.
