DEFENCE FORCE SENIOR STAFF RESIGNATIONS UNFAIR

"The sudden resignations of the Chief of the Air Force, Lt-Gen. Carlo Gagiano and the Secretary of Defence, Ms. Mpumi Mpofu are rash and are questioned. It appears as if both are being held responsible for circumstances over which they had no control. It is clear that the Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, is holding Gagiano and Mpofu responsible for the embarrassment of the President and his Deputy with rented aircraft," Mr. Pieter Groenewald (MP), chief spokesperson of Defence for the Freedom Front Plus says.

"It is unfair to hold them responsible because in Lt-Gen. Gagiano's case he has to manage an air force where the government does not even give sufficient funding for fuel in order for pilots to be able to fly the required minimum number of flight hours. The impossible is expected of him. In Mpofu's case it appears that she actually wanted to ensure that the correct acquisition procedures were followed with the purchasing of new aircraft. She impressed as the new Secretary of Defence and it is reflected in the Auditor General's report. Both these individuals are assets to the Defence Force and should be kept," Groenewald said.

Statement issued by Mr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus Chief Spokesperson: Defence, November 4 2011

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