Opposition members in Zimbabwe’s coalition government are facing a difficult decision regarding their official transportation.

In economically ravaged Zimbabwe, a Mercedes is a symbol of both power and corruption. The cars have been driven by high government officials and flaunted to the populace.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, now the Prime Minister, and his allies attacked the Mercedes Benz as a symbol of Mugabe corruption. Most vowed never to have one.

Now in office, all but one of Tsvangirai and his ministers have a Mercedes.

Tendai Biti, the Finance Minister, said the cars were bough a year ago and parked. It was either sell them at half value or use them.

Education Minister David Coultart refused his and chose a Nissan Pathfinder. He said he made a promise in 2006 never to have one and is keeping the promise.

The other ministers are not so principled.

Constitutional Affairs Minister Ed Matinenga said, “It is a condition of plenty amidst deprivation. But the reality is that there is no other (vehicle). You cannot get an alternative – they (are) a convenient evil.”

The problem is that the government will only reimburse fuel and service a state car, not a private vehicle. In a country where rampant inflation destroyed the economy, those reimbursements are critical.

Some see a plan by President Robert Mugabe’s supporters to tarnish the opposition leader’s reputations.

Another minister, wishing to remain anonymous said, “Why were they so keen to give me a fancy car that I didn’t want? It really looked like they wanted to tar us with their own dirty brush.”