An impressive convoy of luxury vehicles has drawn the ire of Mzansi despite doing the most to flex their rides. While netizens are usually the first to cheer as someone unveils a new set of wheels, this incident raised a handful of eyebrows.
The sight of the high-end vehicles parading over an undeveloped street riddled with potholes left more than a few pointing out the vast difference in wealth between the drivers and the same community the drivers were aiming to impress.
Luxury vehicles in humble setting gets engines reving
The convoy included a McLaren 720S (valued at over R5 million), a Ferrari 812 GTS ( valued at over R7 million), a Lamborghini Urus SUV ( valued at over R6 million) as well as enviable BMW and Mercedes models. The jaw-dropping spectacle saw many vehicles flashing lights, clearly aiming to draw passersby’s eye.
The modest setting for such an impressive display of wealth drew controversy with a video going viral on social media.
“Public figures like to drive expensive German cars in poor communities but can’t uplift their people from poverty. Why must people go through this traumatic experience?” Not a Peace Officer, @StHonorable
In the face of excess, a popular opinion was that this showcase showed how influential overseas trends are in Mzansi.
“I think it’s Western influence.” EPHRAIM, @Ephraim_Snr
Many felt frustration at the glaring void between those behind the wheel and spectators to the multi-million Rand spectacle.
“It’s frustrating when public figures prioritize luxury while the community struggles.” Maeline Christa, @crystal_twts
Politicians in hot water over luxury rentals
In related news, ANC-led KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor Muzi Ngidi recently earned condemnation after the Democratic Alliance accused the municipality for splurging on rented luxury vehicles for officials. This comes despite the DA insisting that many adequate cars are available to civil servants.
The DA condemned the ‘wastage’ of public funds spent on renting out lavish vehicles, including BMW X5s, Sunday World reported.
“The DA has recently written to municipal manager Nhlanhla Mdakane to establish how and why expensive hired vehicles are being allocated to the newly elected mayor and the deputy mayor instead of using available vehicles which were already purchased for the executive,” DA caucus leader Councillor Privi Makhan.
Despite the spotlight cast on the questionable matter, the municipal manager has allegedly failed to step in. This has prompted the DA to turn to higher powers.
“As the municipal manager ignores our written requests, the DA will now turn to the KZN MEC for CoGTA. For him …to invoke consequence management against officials who are involved in this rental car scandal. We cannot accept that for every new mayor luxury vehicles must be hired. When the municipality already owns a fleet,” DA caucus leader Councillor Privi Makhan
Do you feel those wealthy enough to afford luxurious vehicles should do more to uplift their communities?
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