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Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has revised her statements about aviation plans for the presidency, saying that aircraft costs could be contained to R20 million a year, not R100 million as indicated earlier.
The minister was trying to keep down costs and the R100 million was “only a planning contingency”, said Mapisa-Nqakula’s spokesperson, Joy Nonzukiso Peter.
In fact, the ministry was looking into leasing a plane from South African Airways and adapting it for Zuma – to the tune of R20 million.
She was responding to queries on Thursday, the day after the presidency issued a statement saying that Jacob Zuma preferred flying in aircraft with the South Africa Air Force, not chartered planes.
The defence ministry has been under fire this week over its aviation plans for the presidency, which were criticised as being extravagant.
The minister confirmed in a written parliamentary reply on Monday that R100 million had been allocated for the leasing of a “VIP-configured jet” over the next financial year.
“After the tender process has been completed and if a successful bid is received,” the aircraft would be delivered to the SA Air Force by November, she said.
But revealing the alternative, cheaper option on Thursday, Peter said Mapisa-Nqakula had told Armscor to consider aquiring an additional plane from SAA that could then be transferred to the Air Force. Armscor has already said that if such a jet was obtained, the adjustments would cost an estimated R20 million.
“We have always said we will continue to search for the best option. The important thing is to get the most cost-effective option that still meet the safety standards. The final cost will depend on the option that is chosen,” said Peter.
Peter said the acquisition would be done within the limits of the Public Finance Management Act.
Entering the fray on Wednesday, the presidency said in a statement that it would be “more cost-effective” to make use of smaller aircraft for local travel and the general use of the air force fleet.
“The Presidency reiterates that it prefers the use of aircraft within the South African Air Force fleet to transport the President and Deputy President and allegations made by aviation experts in the media that President Jacob Zuma prefers chartered aircrafts are not true.”.
In the meantime, the FF Plus has asked the Auditor-General to investigate the matter
