North West premier Thandi Modise has spent R1.3 million on a new car, despite Cabinet banning extravagant spending on luxury vehicles, according to a report.
Provincial transport MEC Raymond Elisha confirmed that she bought a new BMW 750i, the Sunday Times said.
He told the newspaper no laws were broken.
"The car was purchased in compliance with the ministerial handbook, which states that a car to the value of 70% of her annual salary can be purchased," he was quoted saying.
Elisha said the belt-tightening measures relating to the executive would be determined in accordance with the revised policy still being drafted.
In October, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan instructed ministers, MECs and premiers to limit vehicle procurement.
The decision to buy a new car was taken long before the cost-cutting plans were announced, said Elisha.
Modise was quoted saying: "I do not determine whether a jet is procured or whatever. All I know is that I have been using a car that is constantly sent for repairs and finally I was told 'we are buying a new car'."
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