Cape Town — ActionSA has accused Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen of benefiting from the perks of multiple luxury blue-light vehicles, each valued at over R1 million.
In a statement, the party revealed that Steenhuisen confirmed owning three luxury SUVs—audi Q7, BMW X5, and Toyota Prado—all fitted with blue lights and the appropriate signaling systems. This disclosure contradicts claims by DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille, who previously said that no DA Minister uses blue-light vehicles.
“While Steenhuisen tried to project the image of travelling in a modest Toyota Cross, his own response reveals he actually enjoys the comfort of a fleet of three luxury blue-light SUVs,” said ActionSA’s Dereleen James.
He further criticised the broader culture of extravagance among government ministers: “This is not unique to Steenhuisen but is emblematic of the excessive luxury afforded to ministers. Parking lots, such as those at Parliament, often resemble luxury car showrooms rather than institutions dedicated to serving the people of South Africa.”
🗞🚨 MUST READ: Despite repeated statements that DA Ministers in the GNU do not use blue lights, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, enjoys the benefits of many blue-light luxury SUVs!https://t.co/UF2I9vzAFo
Steenhuisen’s own written response to ActionSA’s…
— ActionSA (@Action4SA) January 7, 2025
James slammed the Government of National Unity (GNU), claiming that its hollow promises of opposing wasteful expenditure and the abuse of state resources highlight growing concerns that the GNU is merely a convenient political alliance between the DA and the ANC.
“While SAPS struggles 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 lives in a bubble of luxury and security, funded by the very taxpayers who are being forced to tighten their belts,” he said.
James further pointed to ActionSA’s parliamentary inquiries, which reveal staggering amounts spent on ministerial travel and related perks. “These findings show that the GNU is more of a jet-setting government than a modest, caring one,” James added.
ActionSA vowed to fight relentlessly against extravagant spending and unchecked patronage within the coalition government.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
