DA not here for lavish perks & blue lights brigade

GAUTENG – The new Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, said that DA members who are in the executive posts are not interested in blue lights and ministerial perks. She made these remarks to SABC News on Wednesday morning ahead of the swearing-in ceremony at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Prior to joining the government, the DA consistently criticised the excessive expenses incurred by ministers, which include perks such as homes in Tshwane and Cape Town, official vehicles, luxury accommodation during travel, extensive security details, car allowances, free flights for family members, and complimentary water and electricity. Graham-Maré says their motivation for taking on these roles does not lie in the perks associated with them.

“I am perfectly happy, I would be happy to stay wherever as long as we have accommodations so that we can do our jobs. I arrived here with my Renault Kwid this morning, I am not someone who believes that we need to have luxuries. As long as we have necessities to function and operate effectively, I certainly would be far happier with not having blue light brigades and all the perks that go with that.” Graham-Maré said.