DA REFERS USE OF GOVERNMENT JETS FOR ANC BUSINESS IN NMB TO PUBLIC PROTECTOR

I have today written to the Office of the Public Protector asking that the use of South African Government jets to transport ANC leadership to Nelson Mandela Bay this week, be investigated.

The ANC was in town to discuss internal ANC party arrangements for changes to the Nelson Mandela Bay local government executive. Photos in the media show two jets, with the government crest, berthed at Port Elizabeth airport after delivering members of the ANC leadership to our city. This ‘Government Jets for ANC Business’ scandal must be investigated.

It is entirely unethical and inappropriate for government jets and vehicles to be used for ANC party business.

The ANC has clearly acknowledged that they have a crisis of leadership in Nelson Mandela Bay. ANC moves to reshuffle their leadership in the City appear to be advanced now, with the announcement of a new Mayor looming.

As the ANC attempts to patch its reputation in NMB, it must do so at its own cost. The ANC cannot abuse state resources in attempting to retain control of the City.

The DA calls on the Public Protector to investigate this blatant abuse of government jets, and all other costs incurred by the State in the ANC’s visit to NMB this past week.

We will closely monitor how the ANC uses government resources in the run up to Election 2016, where the DA is set on winning Nelson Mandela Bay.

Statement issued by: Athol Trollip MPL, DA Eastern Cape leader and Mayoral Candidate: Nelson Mandela Bay, May 6 2015