Features / 12 August 2026 / Michael Taylor

The cars South Africa’s millionaire ministers can afford to drive

South African ministers and premiers can spend up to R1.1 million on a new car that they and their families can use for their duties.

Last year, the National Treasury increased the official vehicle threshold for members of the Executive, raising the cap from R800,000 to R1.1 million.

The increase took effect in July 2025 under the Government of National Unity, and was confirmed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

In April 2026, Godongwana defended the increase, arguing that annual threshold adjustments had not been made since 2020 due to fiscal consolidation measures, adding that the last revision was made in the 2019 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement,

The Finance Minister said he had received complaints that the R800,000 cap was no longer sufficient and that departments were struggling to procure vehicles within the price range of the transversal contracts.

Additionally, Godongwana said that the National Treasury’s own analysis had concluded that the R800,000 allowance had been diminished by inflation over the last five years.

“It was therefore increasingly difficult for departments to locate vehicles that are fit and proper for official duties within the R800,000 price threshold. Accordingly, the price threshold was revised to R1.1 million.”

He also clarified that the R1.1 million is not meant to be a target and that departments should use their own discretion to procure vehicles for official use.

The price cap is also inclusive of additional costs, such as VAT, security upgrades, and maintenance plans.

The increase is quite generous, as it means ministers can now purchase the flagship SUVs offered by several brands in South Africa.

Alternatively, it is enough to buy a mid-range sedan or SUV from a luxury marque like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, or Volvo.

Notably, ministers are allocated two cars each, as they are provided one for use in Cape Town and in Pretoria.

Spouses and other dependent family members are also allowed to be transported in these cars, which are driven by the minister’s aide or a VIP driver provided by the South African Police Service.

The cost of the cars is covered by the minister’s department, which uses the budget allocated by the Treasury. Expenses like fuel, tyres, toll fees, maintenance, and repairs are also covered by the department.

According to the Ministerial Handbook, the cars must be used until they are deemed replaceable, which occurs after they surpass 120,000km or five years of age.

When a new car is required, the minister must buy a model through the transversal contract established by the Treasury for the procurement of bulk motor vehicles.

What a R1.1 million vehicle budget gets you

These are the kinds of cars that South Africa’s ministers and premiers are able to buy under the National Treasury’s current vehicle threshold.

This list is mainly composed of urban SUVs and sedans; however, some ministers may also acquire an off-road-capable vehicle, such as a bakkie or an Adventure SUV, if their job requires it.

While these vehicles are often bought directly from the manufacturer to avoid paying dealer rates, ministers nonetheless have a considerable budget to afford luxury vehicles in South Africa.

Click on the underlined prices for more information on each vehicle’s specifications.