DA calls for immediate probe as video clip of Arts and Culture joyride goes viral

Issued by Bradley Singh, MPL – DA KZN Spokesperson on Arts and Culture
14 Nov 2019 in Press Statements

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has today submitted a written parliamentary question (view here) to KwaZulu-Natal Arts and Culture MEC, Hlengiwe Mavimbela, after a vehicle with the Department’s branding and a state number plate was seen being driven around on an apparent joyride.

The incident, which took place in Durban on Saturday last week, has been circulated on social media. The video clip (view here) shows the vehicle’s occupants – who are not wearing any form of official attire – consuming alcohol and smoking while driving around with both doors of the vehicle, a VW Eco Caddy, wide open.

The DA regards this incident as an utter disgrace. It appears that the vehicle is being used as a taxi, while the occupants don’t seem to have a care in the world about the fact that what they are doing is illegal and also endangering the lives of other motorists.

We expect the MEC to launch an immediate probe and to also answer the following questions:

  • Is the Department aware that the vehicle, with her Department’s branding and registration number KZN 82187, was seemingly being used by non-officials that were consuming alcohol?
  • What is the Department’s policy on private use of government vehicles?
  • Are the Department’s official vehicles monitored and logged? and
  • Will the Department investigate the matter and make a statement?

The DA will insist on answers around this reckless incident. In particular, we want to know who authorised it. It also begs the question – how many other times have the Department’s vehicles been used for private purposes?

The DA will not stand by and watch the ANC’s continued abuse of taxpayers’ money. A line needs to be drawn. In this case, we will not rest until we have a proper answer from the Department regarding the abuse of state vehicles.