PRESIDENTIAL JET WILL SAVE HIRING COSTS, SAYS IFP

The Inkatha Freedom Party has welcomed the Minister of Defence, Mr Mosioua Lekota's announcement that the government has decided to purchase the Boeing long range jet for President Thabo Mbeki. In a statement issued today, the IFP Safety and Security Spokesperson, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, MP, said:

"The purchase of the presidential jet is quite correct for the presidency and other members of the executive to discharge their duties at home and abroad. We also respect the manner in which Minister Lekota has exercised this responsibility. The treasury will be saved the hiring costs, which would be incurred by hiring aircraft for the President whenever he travels outside the country."

"Secondly, it is gratifying to note that the President will be travelling in maximum safety and in a reliable aircraft. It is also gratifying to note that Minister Lekota has conducted this matter in a transparent manner, avoiding controversy."

"We wish to urge those who oppose the purchase of the jet to base their criticism on sound economic and objective criteria. They must desist from of basing their criticism on sectional of racial grounds, as it appears to have been the case in the past."

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