21 days later and still no reply from Zuma on “Nkandla Air”

4 July 2016

On 13 June, I wrote to President Zuma, calling on him as Head of State to reverse his government’s decision to procure a new luxury Presidential Jet, estimated to cost the people of South Africa an enormous R4 billion.

21 days later, and I have yet to receive any response whatseover, showing a complete lack of leadership and accountability from President Zuma and the ANC. More than this, it indicates a lack of care by President Zuma for poor, unemployed and marginalised South Africans.

President Zuma cannot remain silent on this matter anymore. He must come out an denounce this planned procurement.

Our stance on a new jet is simple: there is no need for a new jet – either leased or purchased – while the current Presidential Jet, Inkwazi, remains, in terms of aircraft standards, relatively new.

The reality is our economy is shrinking, while 8.9 million unemployed South Africans lose hope in finding work, and improving their lives and the lives of their families and loved ones. 

To even consider spending R4 billion on a luxury jet is an insult to the dignity of every one of those 8.9 million unemployed South Africans. 

R4 billion could be channelled towards creating jobs by funding: over 160 000 one-year internships for young South Africans; more than 600 000 EPWP 3-month work opportunities for jobless South Africans; 80 000 new entrepreneurs with a R 50 000 start-up grant each, and 53 000 full NFSAS bursaries to cover fees, accommodation, transport and textbooks for young South Africans.

While Zuma remains silent and oblivious to the jet deal, South Africans are growing more and more impatient with him and his ANC. Come Election Day, it is our turn to tell Jacob Zuma what we want. The people of South Africa want jobs, not jets. 

On 3 August, stop Nkandla Air and vote DA for jobs, not jets.

Issued by Mabine Seabe, Spokesperson to the DA Leader, 4 July 2016