Buffalo City Municipality has spent in excess of R1.7 million on renting so-called back-up cars for the mayor, Zukiswa Ncitha, her deputy as well as the Speaker and Municipal Manager.
DA MP, Kevin Mileham, says this was revealed in a written reply to a question in parliament from the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Pravin Gordhan.
According to Gordhan's response the mayor's back-up Mercedes Benz cost in excess of R680 000 during the 2014/2015 financial year and was hired to assist with the transportation of the executive mayor.
Gordhan says the vehicle for the Municipal Manager was rented as part of a Council approved security arrangement.
Commenting on the revelations, Mileham said there is no justifiable reason for these so-called 'back-up' cars.
He says the Minster's reply demonstrates how Mayor Zukiswa Ncitha and others effectively rented luxury Mercedes Benz vehicles at the equivalent cost of actually purchasing them.
