SASFU WELCOMES THE RESIGNATION OF THE CHIEF OF THE AIRFORCE

SASFU was really shocked by the recent appointments of the Chiefs of Arms of services. The appointments did not reflect urgency required in the transformation of the SANDF.

During the Department of Defence (DOD) succession planning of senior office and appointments 2011 Gen Ramlakan was retained in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) despite all the cries from members of the SAMHS and DOD in large.

Senior competent Officers are pushed out of the services so that they cannot be considered for promotion to Chief of the services.

The union is however relieved that at last the Chief of the Air Force is allowing space for the appointment of a military man who can lead the transformation agenda and root out the corruption that has led to the destruction of the internal capacity of the service and promoting the use of private aircraft to transport the presidency as well as for the training of pilots. We salute Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano for realising that the SA Air force has rotten and it has become a source of private accumulation and frustration to black pilots and the transformation agenda in general.

SASFU is expecting more resignation from the men in the helm of the defence force before they can be arrested due to corruption and abuse of power which has led to the dysfunctionality of the services.

During the appointment of General Shoke as the Chief of the SANDF, SASFU called him to institute a Board of inquiry on the death of Petty Officer Maleka who died in SA Naval College whilst under training as an officer. We had information that her medical condition did not allow her to do the course and she did not go through proper selection but abuse of power led to her death. That inquiry was swept under the carpet.

SASFU continues to call for action by the political leadership and we envy the type of political leadership that is given by Dr Blade Nzimande in his department.

Statement issued by Bhekinkosi Mvovo, SASFU President, November 4 2011

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