MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE SA NATIONAL DEFENCE UNION, SANDF HQ, Pretoria, Monday, 30 March 2015

SANDU CAUTIONING SANDF FLIGHT AND GROUND CREW MEMBERS ON THE CURRENT NKANDLA "TAXI" DEBACLE 

The South African National Defence Union has taken note of media reports over the weekend regarding allegations of Air Force helicopters being used as private transport for members of the Zuma family and their associates.

SANDU has also taken note of reports that a high level investigation in this regard has already been instituted.

SANDU cautions all members of the South African National Defence Force, specifically the flight crews, support staff and ground crews involved in flights between the Air Force Base in Durban and Nkandla, who may be approached by an investigating officer in this matter, to refrain from providing any statements on this matter, unless and until they have consulted with SANDU Head Office and obtained legal assistance/advice from us.

SANDU issues this caution because the very real possibility exists that lower level public servants will, in all likelihood, be turned into scapegoats as the undeniable tendency has been during almost all South African political scandals and controversies involving the Presidency. Guptagate and Nkandla are prime examples of this tendency.

Any attempt to shift the blame to one or more SANDF members, should these allegations be revealed to be true, will be vigorously opposed by this union and it will defend its members' rights with everything at its disposal.

Statement issued by Adv JG (Pikkie) Greeff, SANDU National Secretary, March 30 2015

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