US paid estimated $8.2 million to transport VIPs for Mandela funeral

The U.S. Embassy in South Africa paid an estimated $8.2 million for vehicle transportation services so VIPs could visit Pretoria and Johannesburg to attend the funeral for Nelson Mandela, according to contract documents released Dec. 17 through the Federal Business Opportunities website.

“Vehicle types included passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, and buses, as well as supplies and good vehicles such as pickup trucks, box trucks, and larger capacity vehicles,” the Department of State said in a "Justification and Approval" contract document. “The maximum estimated cost is $8,286,194.74.”

“Two vendors have been identified as being most suitable to meet U.S. government needs: Europcar and Kwathlano,” the State Department said. “The U.S. Embassy will contract with both vendors.”

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