The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Presidency of exploiting the presidential and ministerial handbooks to use state resources for African National Congress (ANC) party business.
This allegation comes in response to a recent report by City Press, which revealed that an SA Air Force jet was used multiple times to transport the president, his deputy, and other ANC officials to the party’s birthday activities in Mpumalanga.
According to DA MP Kobus Marais, the Presidency is utilizing the already depleted resources of the defense force as a personal taxi service.
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Flight records for the SA Air Force’s Falcon 50 jet indicate that it made ten trips between Cape Town, Waterkloof, and Mbombela from the 5th to the 15th of January, with the deputy president’s call sign being used.
The presidential handbook allows the president and his deputy to utilize military aircraft and invite non-state officials as passengers if they sign an indemnity. Similarly, the ministerial handbook permits state officials to use military aircraft for political activities if they coincide with their official duties.
However, Marais argues that this is an exploitation of the defense force’s already financially strained operations. Marais further highlights that over 85% of the air force’s aircraft are currently grounded due to a lack of funds for maintenance.
This situation not only hampers the defense force’s ability to protect the country effectively, as mandated by the Constitution, but it also raises concerns about the responsible allocation of resources.
The DA MP expresses disappointment in the lack of judgment displayed by the commander-in-chief and asserts that the behavior of the Presidency and ANC officials is both irresponsible and inappropriate. He believes that their actions demonstrate a blatant abuse of state resources.
The misuse of state resources for party-related activities raises questions about the priorities of the Presidency and the ANC. With limited funds available, state resources must be allocated responsibly and transparently, focusing on the needs of the country rather than political interests.
In light of this revelation, the DA is calling for greater accountability and oversight to prevent further exploitation of state resources. Government officials must adhere to the principles of good governance and act in the best interest of the nation.
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