DA responds to ActionSA criticism over Steenhuisen’s use of blue lights
Although Helen Zille claims that no DA MPs use “blue lights,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has acknowledged using them.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused ActionSA of being hypocritical and spreading falsehoods about the official vehicles fitted with blue lights used by its leader, Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.
In a Parliamentary response to questions posed by Action member of Parliament Athol Trollip, Steenhuisen admitted using three vehicles fitted with blue lights worth R2.8 million.
JOHN STEENHUISEN ADMITS THAT HE USES BLUE LIGHTS
Before the DA joined the Government of National Unity (GNU), the party’s federal chairperson, Helen Zille, insisted that DA ministers would not utilise state vehicles fitted with blue lights nor take two ministerial residences in Tshwane and Cape Town. The party was of the view that this is a waste of tax payers money.
However, in the Parliamentary response, Steenhuisen said the modes of transport he uses for official duties are departmental-owned executive vehicles and air transport.
“Yes, all the executive vehicles are fitted with blue lights and the appropriate signalling systems,” he said.
Further, Steenhuisen said his current fleet of vehicles consists of a 2018 Audi Q7, a 2019 Toyota Prado, and a 2020 BMW X5. The combined purchase price of the three vehicles is R2 806 906.
DA HITS BACK AT ACTIONSA
Following Steenhuisen’s response, the DA accused ActionSA of hypocrisy and sensationalism.
DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said all ministerial vehicles for DA cabinet ministers are inherited from the previous administration, and the DA ministers themselves have strictly blocked the acquisition of new vehicles.
Aucamp said while all inherited vehicles are equipped with blue lights, DA ministers have made it clear that the blue lights in their official vehicles will not be used under any circumstances.
“The DA believes that no minister has the privilege to travel by means of blue light convoys, which disrupt traffic and grant ministers the unwarranted luxury of not planning their travel and appointments wisely.
DA ministers, therefore, instructed their security personnel to always abide by traffic laws and not use blue lights for all ministerial travel.
“This is not a parliamentary perk. Instead, they are regarded as a tool of trade for members of the executive branch across the world. As has always been the practice, executive branch members are provided with two official vehicles, in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Official vehicles are only provided in these provinces. When executing official duties outside Gauteng or the Western Cape, vehicles are hired by the respective departments so that ministers can attend to their work,” Aucamp said.