DEPUTY president Jacob Zuma faced criticism when it emerged that the government was buying luxury new cars for his two wives. Opposition groups criticised Zuma, who is number two to President Thabo Mbeki, for obtaining a Mercedes and an off-road Toyota worth R557500 at the taxpayers’ expense. A letter issued by the Office of the Presidency in reply to a written question from the opposition Democratic Party said the cars were “for the spouses of the Deputy President.” “It is completely unacceptable for government to buy cars for the wives of members of parliament,” said DP spokeswoman Lauren Winchester. A government spokesman told local newspapers that the two cars were justified because Zuma carried out additional duties to that of an ordinary sitting member of parliament. The opposition United Democratic Movement blasted the government for encouraging a culture of self-indulgence and enrichment while millions of South Africans live in abject poverty.
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