The Communications Ministry has now joined the war of words over ministerial cars, accusing trade union federation Cosatu of trying to distract government from implementing its mandate.

It comes as Cosatu and the South African Communist Party appear to have reached agreement following the trade union federation's suggestion that SACP General Secretary and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande return his R1.1-million BMW.

Earlier, Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda came under fire for his purchase of a R1-million vehicle.

Cosatu and the SACP appear to have smoked from the peace pipe, with the two releasing a joint statement saying they have apologised to each other and their fraternal bonds have withstood much bigger disagreements.

But the Communications Ministry's Tiyani Rikhotso is still furious with Cosatu.

"We also find it absurd for Cosatu to suggest that the minister should now return the official vehicle ? the tools with which he is supposed to deliver on his mandate," said Rikhotso.

However, Cosatu's Patrick Craven is standing firm.

"Why ministers need million plus rand cars to fulfill their mandate is something I do not understand," said Craven.

This latest ministerial car spat was sparked by the Finance Minister's purchase of more modest vehicles.