The Department of Communications is at risk of running out of money by the second quarter of the current financial year, according to the Democratic Alliance.<\/p>\n
The DA cited a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Communications, by the acting director general, Basani Baloyi, who indicated that the department is under severe economic pressure, and will likely run out of money by mid-year.<\/p>\n
Yet despite its financial woes, according to DA shadow minister of communications, Phumzile Van Damme, the DoC intends to purchase two new vehicles for minister Ayanda Dlodlo and deputy minister, Thandi Mahambehlala.<\/p>\n
Dlodlo has only been in the position since 30 March 2017, as part of president Jacob Zuma’s most recent cabinet reshuffle.<\/span><\/p>\n Dlodlo replaced Faith <\/span>Muthambi, who took over as minister of public service and administration.<\/p>\n Muthambi said last month that ANC ministers and their deputies select expensive vehicles because they are required to travel far distances, in far flung rural and urban areas of the country.<\/p>\n The minister was responding directly to an article by Wheels24<\/a>, which stated that government spent R42 million on luxury vehicles for ministers and their deputies between 2014 and 2017, including Audis, BMW SUVs, and a Porsche.<\/p>\n Muthambi described the purchase of these vehicles \u2018as tools of the trade\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cIt needs emphasising that no illegality or crime is committed in government purchasing vehicles for ministers and their deputies.\u201d<\/p>\n