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Tlokwe mayor scorns fancy Merc

Wheels24 reported earlier in February 2013 that a Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI (costing R736 000) was delivered to Tlokwe (Potchefstroom) ANC mayor Maphetle Maphetle.

But he'd been kicked out of office. Still, the car had to be delivered after a lengthy time blamed on several "luxury customisations".

FLASH CARS 'OBSOLETE'

Current Democratic Alliance mayor Annette Combrink has refused to use the car (like her party leader Helen Zille) because such luxuries "were no longer appropriate when people were burdened by poverty."

"My biggest objection is that expensive official cars in general, not just at Tlokwe, are unnecessary and obsolete."

Combrink said she would use her personal nine-year-old VW Passat for mayoral business and the expensive Merc will remain in a local parking garage..

The vehicle was ordered for Maphetle in June 2012 but was delayed until 2013, allegedly to fit beige leather seats and a sunroof. Two vehicles borrowed from the dealer meanwhile were damaged by Tlokwe municipal officials.

Maphetle told Beeld he was not familiar with any specific model or special finishes having been ordered because he did not know exactly what had been budgeted for.

Combrink said she had asked the Auditor-General to investigate the purchase.

Should Combrink drive the mayoral E350 or has she done the right thing by sticking with her VW Passat? What would you do in her situation?

Email us and we'll publish your thoughts or use the Readers' Comments section below...
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