Johannesburg -
North West Premier Thandi Modise has purchased two cars during her time in office, the Democratic Alliance said on Friday.
“MEC for public works, roads and transport Raymond Elisha indicated that Modise utilised another car over and above the R1.3 million BMW she ordered in November and the R1.1m BMW she took over from former premier Maureen Modiselle,” DA North West spokesman Chris Hattingh said in a statement.
He said Elisha did not give details of the car or why it was purchased.
The North West legislature set up a sub-committee to probe the procurement processes followed in purchasing the R1.3m car.
Mahlakeng Mahlakeng, the chairman of the sub-committee, confirmed that a second car was bought for Modise in 2010.
The premier's spokesman Lesiba Kgwele referred questions on the second car to the public works and transport department.
The department could not comment immediately.
The legislature's public accounts committee (Scopa) condemned the amount spent on the 750i BMW, acknowledging that the economy was under pressure, chairman Hlomane Chauke said in a statement on Thursday.
“We are aware that there is still a need to standardise the cost containment prescribed in the ministerial handbook, but that should not constitute the reckless spending used by the executive,” he said.
Scopa held talks on Thursday with Elisha. Afterwards, the committee asked for a formal written document to ensure transparency and accountability.
It also resolved to investigate the matter to ensure it played its oversight role effectively. - Sapa