5th November 2009

The IFP welcomes Cabinet's decision to terminate Government's contract to purchase eight A400 airbus strategic lift aircraft. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans discussed this decision with the Portfolio Committee today. 

"The R2.9 billion that will be returned to the Treasury must be used more effectively to assist those hardest hit by the economic recession," said IFP Spokesperson Mr VB Ndlovu. "From the beginning the IFP felt the money allocated to this contract could have been put to better use elsewhere." 

Government intended to use the eight aircraft to assist in peacekeeping missions, but the IFP believes that other, less expensive means could and should be found in this regard. "It is hoped that the money will be returned without delay so that we can put bad planning behind us and move forward with good projects," said Ndlovu. 

For this reason, the IFP rejects the call for an ad hoc Committee to investigate the contract termination. There is nothing to be gained and more time and money would be wasted on this pointless exercise. 

Contact:
Velaphi Ndlovu MP,     083 625 0803 or
Liezl van der Merwe,    083 611 7470.