Open letter to BMW Blade

iafrica.com reader Andrew de Pomeroy-Legg has written an open letter to Blade Nzimande and his BMW dealer in response to the recent Cargate scandal.

We spend much energy criticising the respective ministers and their departments for these excessive purchases. They hide behind the fact that government rules allow them to spend this money, instead of taking responsible actions by going for more frugal options. Mr Zuma does not appear concerned by all of this, but maybe he can show us his disapproval by changing these rules? Would getting some action from the presidency, instead of the sugar-coated words we are used to be too much to ask?

On 3 September I emailed the following to Blade Nzimande's spokesperson, asking her to explain his department's acquisition to me:

Letter for Blade

"Dear Ms. Munusamy,

I read with interest the comments made with reference to the acquisition of the new BMW for Blade Nzimande. In particular, I read with interest your statement that Mr. Nzimande does not condone wasteful expenditure. I have also read the comments made by the SACP on the matter, and, to be honest, I am confused.

Perhaps you can shed some light on this by letting me know why the department believes that R1.1-million needs to be spent to procure a suitable vehicle? I am aware that if I go into any BMW dealer, I can buy a new five series with the same performance and safety features for significantly less. If I go into a Honda dealership, I can buy a very nice top of the line luxury sedan for significantly less as well. Lexus, Volkswagen, Volvo, the list is long. What is it about the BMW that makes it necessary? I do not understand.

Whilst I realise that the rules of government allow a purchase of this nature, I really am trying to understand how it is justified. Would it be possible to see a copy of the ministerial guidelines on car procurement?

I want to give the government the benefit of the doubt on this issue as well, as I do not believe in jumping to conclusions without facts. I would really appreciate it if you could shed some light on this issue for me. I am trying to figure out whether the new ANC is serious about running this country prudently, efficiently and well, and possibly how my vote counts in the next elections. I must confess to getting mixed messages, having the feeling that talk is cheap, and that our senior politicians seem to behave according to the "do as we say, not as we do" mantra, but as a young South African full of hope for a positive future for all in this country, I hope I am wrong!

I look forward to your answer."

Still waiting...

Needless to say, I have yet to be graced with a response. A case of a spokesperson with a foot in her mouth, per chance? Perhaps a case of 'If I ignore it long enough, it is bound to go away eventually'. Some of our senior politicians appear to me to show no social responsibility towards those that empowered them, and certainly no conscience with regards to these excessive purchases.

Today I would, however, like to twist the saga around a bit and look at it from another perspective.

I would like to pose a direct question to the management of BMW and Mercedes Benz in particular. The question is simple. Why do you condone the excessive waste of South African taxpayers' money on the purchase of your luxury vehicles by civil servants? One would have thought that you would have some sense of community responsibility yourselves — enough to turn these government fat-cats away. Is it simply a case of money talks, and let’s turn a blind eye to where it comes from? My opinion is that every time you sell a vehicle to these civil servants, your companies are complicit in this greed and unnecessary wastage of our money. I feel that you are just as guilty of jumping on the gravy train as the ministers you do business with.

Perhaps BMW and Mercedes Benz can explain by means of an open return letter why they feel justified and comfortable in this aspect of their business? Perhaps they can contribute some of their profits to building the much needed housing, or contributing to the primary health-care and education that could have been funded by this money.

I look forward to reading their replies, but fear that they will react in the same way as Ms. Munusamy — with silence.

What do you think of Andrew's suggestion? Do you want to be heard? Mail us your open letter and, if we like it, we'll publish it!

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