Zuma proves presidential jet is unnecessary  

19 September 2016

The fact that president Jacob Zuma made use of a commercial SAA flight to New York is proof that South Africa does not need to buy a presidential jet, Dr Pieter Groenewald, the FF Plus’s chief spokesperson on defence said.

According to Dr Groenewald pres. Zuma himself said he had received very good service. The fact that he flew commercial, draws a line through the arguments of safety, reliability and availability that are used to justify a separate presidential jet.

"It is clear that pres. Zuma can in future make use of commercial flights that are much cheaper for the taxpayer.

"The use of commercial flights are thus in no way threatening his safety and is more reliable than the Inkwazi that is allegedly giving too many problems.

"The FF Plus therefore calls on pres. Zuma to always make us of commercial flights in the future and to stop any expenses for charter flights or the purchase of a presidential jet immediately, "said Dr Groenewald.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus chief spokesperson: Defence, 19 September 2016