DA’s Zille public claims ministers don’t use blue light privileges proven false - ActionSA
In a parliamentary reply, DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen acknowledged being part of the so-called blue light brigade.
FILE: Chairperson of the DA federal council, Helen Zille. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - ActionSA says Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson Helen Zille's public claims that party ministers do not use blue light privileges have been proven false.
In a parliamentary reply, DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen acknowledged being part of the so-called blue light brigade.
ALSO READ: DA must not complain about wasteful expenditure when Steenhuisen uses blue lights, says ActionSA
Steenhuisen has three luxury SUVs as part of his security detail for official duties, valued at more than R1 million each.
The DA had previously criticised what it called wasteful expenditure on ministers' perks, such as luxury vehicles, homes and security detail.
ActionSA's Dereleen James said exorbitant amounts spent by Cabinet ministers on overseas travel showed that the Government of National Unity (GNU) was not a caring government.
"This is while SAPS [South African Police Service] battles to equip police stations with basic vehicles, crippling its ability to combat escalating violent crime and leaving South Africans vulnerable.
“The bloated billion-rand Cabinet live in a bubble of luxury and security paid for by the very taxpayers who are being forced to tighten their belts."