FOLLOWING GOVT’S E40M FLASHY CARS PURCHASE: SOME MINISTERS DISSATISFIED WITH CARS

MBABANE – A storm is brewing within Cabinet as some ministers voice their dissatisfaction with government’s purchase of Toyota Prado 2.8L XL vehicles, each valued at E1.5 million, for official use.

The ministers argue that the vehicles fail to meet the standards outlined in Finance Circular No. 2 of 2023, which specifies the perks afforded to them, including the provision of vehicles befitting their roles. The circular specifically recommends the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 3.0D VX. However, the Ministry of Public Works purchased the lower-specked 2.8L version, citing availability issues.

According to the ministry, the 3.0L model has been discontinued and replaced by the 2.8L model, which they deemed equally suitable. The Ministry of Public Works opted to purchase the lower-specked Toyota Prado 2.8L XL instead, citing the unavailability of the recommended model. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from the ministers, who believe the vehicles fall short of their expectations in both prestige and performance.

Government bought the cars as per provisions of Finance Circular No. 2 of 2023, which outlines the entitlements for the country’s politicians that include the controversial vehicles. The ministers’ pushback against these vehicles also stems from the fact that the circular includes a provision allowing politicians to be provided with any other vehicle type.

This means government could have opted for a different vehicle model when challenges arose with procuring the preferred Prados. The politicians are also having concerns because when they finish their term of office, ministers will purchase the cars to take home. Therefore, they are very concerned about the type of car they will retire with, in terms of resale value, statue and quality.

Replacement

According to sources, the Ministry of Public Works found that the 3.0L vehicle specified in the circular had been discontinued by Toyota. Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, Minister for Public Works and Transport, admitted in an interview that the ministry opted for the 2.8L vehicles as a replacement, explaining that they were the closest available alternative and equally suitable for the demands of ministerial duties.

“In the market, we found that the 3.0L vehicle was discontinued by Toyota, and the 2.8L was introduced as its replacement,” Ndwandwe said. “We decided to purchase the 2.8L cars because they are versatile, reliable and capable of performing well across all terrains.”

Despite these assurances, the ministers have voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming that the ministry acted unilaterally and did not consult them. “This is not the car specified in the circular,” one minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, lamented. “If the specified car was unavailable, the ministry should have consulted with us to agree on an appropriate alternative rather than taking a unilateral decision to buy what was available.”

The ministers argue that the vehicles fail to reflect their stature as senior government officials and are calling for the government to address the issue. They propose either purchasing cars of similar value that meet the circular’s standards or allowing them to top up from their own funds to buy vehicles of their choice.

In a heated Cabinet meeting, one minister reportedly suggested that the government provide the E1.5 million budget directly to the ministers, allowing them to shop for their preferred cars. Another minister proposed purchasing a Mercedes-Benz GLE, which retails for approximately E1.8 million.

The controversy has delayed the allocation of the vehicles, which are currently parked at Cabinet offices. More cars are still expected to be delivered by NTT Motors in the coming weeks as part of a procurement process that has cost government over E40 million.

The new vehicles are not only for Cabinet ministers, but will also benefit a range of other senior government officials. Among those set to receive the cars are the four Regional Administrators (RAs) and the chairpersons of the three main King’s Advisory councils (emabandla). This includes the chairpersons of Liqoqo and the Ludzidzini Royal Council.

Other beneficiaries include the Civil Service Commission and the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), which are also classified as emabandla. Additionally, the Attorney General (AG), Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo, Speaker Jabulani Mabuza and Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini are slated to receive new vehicles.

Discount

For the Cabinet fleet, about 18 ministers will be allocated the vehicles. In total, 27 vehicles will be distributed among the politicians and senior officials. Based on the figures, the total cost of the cars is approximately E39 839 175. However, it is believed that government received a discount from the dealership, as has been the case in previous years.

The public has reacted strongly to the issue, with many questioning the prioritisation of luxury perks for ministers amid the country’s pressing challenges. Critics have argued that disputes over car models distract from urgent national issues such as economic recovery, healthcare and service delivery.

“This is not just about cars,” another minister said. “It’s about ensuring that decisions involving public funds are transparent, consultative and aligned with what best serves the government’s image and functionality.”
Observers say the dispute exposes deeper governance issues, particularly in the procurement process.

Minister Ndwandwe clarified that his ministry is not the custodian of Finance Circular No. 2 of 2023, which outlines the entitlements for government officials, including vehicles. He stated that the Ministry of Finance is responsible for interpreting and implementing the provisions of the circular.

Ndwandwe advised that ministers unhappy with the vehicles should take their concerns to the Ministry of Finance. He also said if the ministers reach an agreement on alternatives or top-up arrangements, the Ministry of Finance would have to approve such proposals.

Currently, the ministers are being driven in 4x4 Isuzu D-Max Double Cab vehicles purchased early last year. At the time, the government bought 31 cars valued at E20 million to meet the ministers’ transport needs in the interim.
If the ministers ultimately reject the new Toyota Prados, the Ministry of Public Works plans to reroute them to government fleet under the Central Transport Administration (CTA). This agency manages the government’s fleet, and the vehicles could be repurposed for use during special occasions, such as transporting VIPs and foreign dignitaries.

If the ministers ultimately reject the vehicles, the Ministry of Public Works plans to reroute them to the government pool under the Central Transport Administration (CTA). This agency manages government’s fleet, and the vehicles could be repurposed for use during special occasions, such as transporting VIPs and foreign dignitaries.

Recommendations

In the meantime, a committee formed by the ministers is working on a resolution and is expected to make recommendations soon. While the ministers deliberate on their next move, the Ministry of Public Works is proceeding with the registration of the delivered vehicles, which have been parked at Cabinet for two weeks.

As the debate rages on, government faces mounting pressure to find a solution that balances ministerial demands with public expectations of fiscal responsibility and accountability. Whether this saga leads to policy reforms or further divides within Cabinet remains to be seen. This procurement dispute has once again placed the spotlight on government spending and the urgent need for transparent and efficient processes in the use of public funds.

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