Minister of Defence must tell us if Zuma knew about R4 billion jet

The request by the Department of Defence to Armscor to procure a new presidential jet is both irrational and irresponsible. The South African fiscus is already under immense strain and a number of departments, including Higher Education, remain grossly underfunded. There is no justification for spending up to R4 billion on a luxury plane for the President while students are unable to afford to study.

I have therefore today written to the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Baleka Mbete, asking that an urgent question to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, be placed on the Question Paper for 19 November so that the Minister can come to Parliament to explain this decision.

The request to the Speaker was made in terms of NA Rule 112 and allows for a Member of Parliament to submit a question for oral reply for a question day on which such a question would not normally be dealt with.

According to Armscor the deadline for requests for information is 20 November. Given the speed at which the acquisition is seemingly being pushed through the Minister must address the need for a new jet, how it will be funded, and whether the President was aware of the procurement. This must be done as a matter of urgency.

We urge the President to take a public stance against this flagrant example of wasteful expenditure. The President cannot simply wash his hands of the matter and claim ignorance. It is inconceivable that the Minister would seek to procure such a big ticket item for the President without his knowledge and approval.

President Zuma’s ANC must get their priorities right and put South Africa first. We cannot allow the President to live a life of luxury while millions are without jobs and basic services.

Issued by Mabine Seabe, Spokesperson to the DA Leader, 10 November 2015