Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has instructed the ministry of public works and transport to recall the Isuzu government vehicles that were assigned to cabinet ministers.
Pertaining to an allegation made by Members of Parliament (MPs) on the possible abuse of the vehicles, the PM stated that his office was of the view that government policy against the abuse of property and vehicles should be respected by all public officials, including ministers.
This was confirmed by Deputy Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli.
“The ministry of public works and transport has been instructed to recall the vehicles so that they can be re-designated elsewhere. Our expectation as the prime minister’s office is that government policy should be respected by all, especially those in authority,” said Mdluli.
MPs recently accused ministers of abusing the government vehicles yet they had received their personal vehicles.
The legislators also called out ministers for ‘preserving’ their vehicles and using the government vehicles to run their personal errands.
During the debate of the ministry of public works and transport first quarter report, Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga requested the minister to explain why the cars that had been allocated for use by the ministers whilst waiting for their cars had not been recalled back to the Central Transport Administration (CTA).
In response, Minister Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe said the ministry was currently having discussions with the prime minister’s office on the future use of the vehicles as the initial decision for the purchase of the vehicles and allocation to the respective ministers was obtained from the PM’s office.
The minister further assured the MPs that the committee would be updated on the outcome of the discussions. The PM’s office has confirmed that they had instructed the ministry to recall the government cars.
The continued use of the vehicles resulted in an altercation between Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela and Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane.
Last week, the minister and MP clashed over the use of the government vehicle. The issue emanated during the debate of the ministry of natural resources and energy first quarter performance report where MP Zwane cautioned the minister against abusing a government vehicle.
During the initial debate, Zwane enquired if the ministry had enough cars considering that the minister had still not surrendered the government registered vehicle following the acquisition of personal ministers’ vehicles.
“Abuse of government vehicle cannot be tolerated,” said Zwane.
In response, the minister stated that the ministry did not take kindly to the manner in which the MP raised the question, saying it became personal, addressing the minister with titles (umtfwanenkhosi) instead of the honourable minister or senator.
He further said it was the ministry’s request that the MP desists from such a line of questioning. “The ministry wishes to clarify that the vehicle is not abused. If used by the honourable minister, the vehicle is used on official and appropriate duties, in areas with bad terrain,” responded the minister.
During Thursday’s debate and adoption of the ministry’s portfolio committee report, Zwane apologised for addressing the minister in the manner he did.
“With all due respect I apologise for addressing the minister as umtfwanenkhosi but according to my understanding that is a privilege not every Liswati can enjoy. But if he feels we should address him as minister or senator, I respect that,” said Zwane.
He, however, said he also did not take it kindly that government vehicles were being abused, insisting that they were public vehicles acquired through taxpayers’ money.
He also took exception that the minister said he used the vehicle on bad terrain, stating that MPs used personal vehicles on bad terrain everyday.
MP Zwane added that the response from the minister was unacceptable. He said it was selfish for public officials such as ministers to ‘preserve’ their personal cars bought by the state and abuse government vehicles.
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