Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula is the latest member of President Jacob Zuma's government to confess to a taste for expensive German cars.

According to a written response to a question from the Democratic Alliance, Mbalula spent a total of R1.6-million on a BMW 740i to use while he is in Gauteng and a Mercedes Benz ML500 with off-road trim and special seats for when he is in Cape Town.

It also came to light on Wednesday that Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi has spent R900 000 on a new, fuel-heavy BMW X5.

Govt spending in economic meltdown

The disclosures come in the wake of warnings by Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane that lavish car allowances would be "reconsidered as a part of a review of government spending".

A ministerial task team, consisting of Chabane, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Minister of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi has been established to look at government spending in the context of the economic meltdown.

The DA revealed that the cost of Mabudafhasi's vehicle includes about R1300 for the optional extras of a leather sports steering wheel, extended light package and tow-bar with removable head.

The DA's Lindiwe Mazibuko said: "This kind of wastage is outrageous — this is one of the most expensive vehicles purchased by a Cabinet minister yet."

Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said: "We cannot see the justification of spending so much money.

Ministers spent R39m on cars

"It proves once again that people in public office are looking after themselves, rather than those they represent."

To date, cabinet ministers have spent R39-million on their cars.

Among the government's big spenders are Free State Premier Ace Magashule, who spent R1.3-million on his Mercedes Benz S600, Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda who spent more than R2.4-million on two BMWs and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, who spent R1.1-million on his BMW 750L.

Other senior officials who have spent more than R900 000 on their cars include 10 Free State MECs, who spent R970 000 each, and North West MEC for public works Mahlakeng Mahlakeng and North West MEC for housing Desbo Sefanyetso each spent R900 0000.

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