13 Jul 2015

Ministers are entitled to use government vehicles even when they are not on official duty.

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele said in Parliament on Thursday, July 9 that this entitlement includes using government vehicles to attend funerals.

He further said the entitlement covers compassionate use, or taking the minister or his or her spouse and dependent children for medical reasons inside and outside the country. “A minister may use his or her official vehicle for family errands in and around Gaborone or at any other place of duty.

A government owned vehicle may also be used to transport dependent children attending educational institutions within Gaborone,” Mr Makgalemele said. Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked whether ministers are entitled to use of government vehicles even when they are not on duty.

Mr Mmolotsi further wanted to know the average cost of fuel for all ministerial cars per month, and when ministerial chauffeurs get time to rest. “I am unable to provide a definite response because the cost of fuel for ministerial cars is kept by individual ministries. 

Ministerial chauffeurs do get time to rest outside public service stipulated hours of work in line with the Public Service Regulations as stipulated from time to time,” Mr Makgalemele responded. ENDS