Zuma’s “unreliable” jet is fine: Airforce boss

·28 Sep 2016

The Democratic Alliance says that despite claims that the presidential jet, Inkwazi, is ‘unreliable’ and has thus been grounded, the plane is currently being used by the South African Air Force (SAAF).

The political party said that contrary to reports by the Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakila that Inkwazi was “grounded due to safety reasons”, the aircraft was recently used for training new pilots for the Boeing Business Jets, and to fly some senior officers to Langebaan Airforce and other bases.

“Added to this, Lt Msimang has not received complaints by the Presidency that Inkwazi is unreliable. Why then, does Minister Mapisa-Nqakula insist we spent R273,972 per day for the lease of a presidential jet for Zuma when it is unnecessary,” said DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Kobus Marais.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed earlier this month that president Zuma will get a new jet to replace Inkwazi, and that R300 million has been budgeted for the purchase.

Read: Zuma recommends SAA to all travelers after flight to New York

“Following an oversight visit to the South African Air Force (SAAF) in Pretoria, the DA can confirm that there is nothing wrong with President Zuma’s Jet, Inkwazi, except for the routine maintenance repair of “snags” after each flight similar to any commercial airline,” Marais said.

“The chief of the SAAF, Lt Gen Fabian Msimang, has expressed pride in the reliability of among others Inkwazi, his only concern being the inadequate budget allocation for spare parts for routine maintenance.

“He also confirmed that this challenge with Inkwazi will also apply to any new aircraft to be procured. Added to this, there are two other squadrons in the SANDF of older stock and closer than Inkwazi to needing replacement,” the DA lead said.