President Zuma must prioritise South Africa over his desire for luxury travel
15 November 2015
The report in the City Press this morning confirms the stance previously taken by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that the decision to procure a new presidential jet has already been made despite attempts by the Department of Defence and Armscor to downplay the rumours. The report further underscores our belief that the need for a longer range, larger capacity aircraft is being driven by President Zuma (see report here).
The Presidency cannot merely feign ignorance of the proposed procurement. As Head of the Executive, President Zuma is ultimately responsible for decisions taken by his Cabinet. We once again urge President Zuma to denounce this irrational and irresponsible acquisition and prioritise the needs of ordinary South Africans.
The current presidential jet, Inkwazi, is more than sufficient for the President’s needs yet is currently being underutilised. This contradicts statements by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, over the unavailability of VIP aircraft. Moreover, the inconvenience of having to refuel on longer flights cannot serve as justification for the acquisition of a new aircraft at exorbitant cost.
The DA will fight this procurement at every step. We have already taken the following steps to ensure that the deal does not proceed:
1. Requested that the President make a statement on the jet prior to his oral question next week in which he denounces the procurement and instructs Minister Mapisa-Nqakula not to proceed.
2. Requested that the Speaker of the National Assembly places an urgent question to the Minister of Defence to allow her to answer questions relating to its necessity and funding in Parliament on 19 November.
3. Written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence to request a full briefing by the Minister on the procurement process and its justification.
The President’s desire for luxury travel is at odds with the dire state of the South African economy and the needs of millions of South Africans who are without jobs and basic services. The President must put the country first and put a stop to this ludicrous exercise.
Statement issued by DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, 15 November 2015
