President Zuma's family members do not use defence helicopters

29 March 2015

The Presidency rejects the baseless and mischievous allegations made in City Press newspaper today that family members of President Jacob Zuma make use of a military helicopter for personal travel between Durban and Nkandla (see here).

Tasking for the President's travel is made by the Presidency and it is stipulated clearly that the aircraft or helicopter is being booked for his use. Family members such as a spouse or a child may travel if accompanying the principal. At no stage has the Presidency ever make bookings for family members travelling alone. The South African Air Force has also informed the Presidency that no such misuse of the helicopters has ever occurred.

The City Press reporter was informed by both the Presidency and the Department of Defence that there is no truth in the rumour but the newspaper continued to publish.

The Presidency is alarmed by the blatant reporting of such an untruth, the purpose of which could only be to contribute to the stereotyping of the President and his family.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, Pretoria, March 29 2015

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