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Why the SANDF defends its R34m Cuba charter flight for student repatriation
Why the SANDF defends its R34m Cuba charter flight for student repatriation

IOL News

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • IOL News

Why the SANDF defends its R34m Cuba charter flight for student repatriation

SANDF justifies R34m Cuba charter as vital for safely returning 212 students, rejecting DA claims of waste and stressing logistical, security, and protocol needs. Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the chartered flight to Cuba was primarily to repatriate 212 South African military students who had completed their medical and engineering studies under a long-standing bilateral defence training agreement. The defence force emphasised that while the flight coincided with a graduation ceremony attended by SANDF officials, the ceremony was not the purpose of the trip. The Department of Defence stated: 'The officials' presence formed part of formal military protocol, fulfilling representational and logistical responsibilities associated with the safe coordination and return of deployed personnel.' This response follows the Democratic Alliance's statement on 6 August 2025, which revealed that the Department of Defence spent nearly R34 million on a charter flight operated by Cobra Aviation between OR Tambo International Airport and Havana from 13 to 20 July 2025. The DA claimed that the aircraft was equipped with a business-class cabin featuring luxury amenities typically reserved for senior generals and command personnel, while the majority of passengers were students who had already completed their training. The DA also questioned the transport of 19 Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, suggesting that SANDF resources were used to subsidise bilateral logistics. DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans Chris Hattingh described the expenditure as 'outrageous and unjustifiable,' citing ongoing SANDF operational challenges such as non-operational submarines, shortages of boots and uniforms, unpaid suppliers, and deteriorating strategic partnerships. The SANDF explained that the chartered aircraft was procured through the RT61 transversal contract in full compliance with National Treasury supply chain regulations. The defence force said a chartered flight was 'the most efficient method to return a large group over a long-haul route,' given the complexities of scheduling, baggage volume, and security risks involved with individual commercial bookings for more than 200 personnel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Department of Defence highlighted that 'broader operational factors ,including the need for group coordination, security management, medical equipment handling, and direct routing ' justified the choice of a consolidated charter service over commercial flights. Regarding the return of Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, the SANDF noted this was part of a 'longstanding bilateral movement coordination' and did not increase the charter cost. The Department acknowledged public sensitivities around such arrangements and committed to 'reviewing procedures to ensure greater transparency and public confidence in future deployments.' The SANDF further clarified that it currently lacks strategic airlift capability necessary for such long-range personnel movements. 'In the absence of appropriate air assets, external charter remains the most viable logistical solution,' the Department said. The SANDF reaffirmed its accountability to the South African public and welcomed 'robust engagement through the appropriate Parliamentary oversight mechanisms.' SANDF reiterated its commitment to managing public resources diligently while fulfilling constitutional and international obligations. 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Lesufi orders probe into R34m office rental costs in Gauteng
Lesufi orders probe into R34m office rental costs in Gauteng

The Herald

time29-04-2025

  • Business
  • The Herald

Lesufi orders probe into R34m office rental costs in Gauteng

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says investigations into the high costs associated with renting offices for government departments will soon be under way. Sunday Times reported the provincial government spends R34m a month on renting office space, totalling more than R400m a year, despite owning 41 vacant buildings. The vacant buildings are said to be in poor condition and have been declared uninhabitable, resulting in the provincial government having to lease office space from private owners. Lesufi said an independent forensic company was appointed to determine whether the rental costs are justified and if there are any irregularities in the leasing process. He outlined steps to address the issue, including conducting a cost-benefit analysis of owning vs leasing buildings and assisting the provincial government in optimising or selling vacant properties. The government will also explore private sector partnerships to repurpose underused buildings into mixed-use developments.

Lesufi orders probe into R34m office rental costs in Gauteng
Lesufi orders probe into R34m office rental costs in Gauteng

TimesLIVE

time29-04-2025

  • Business
  • TimesLIVE

Lesufi orders probe into R34m office rental costs in Gauteng

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says investigations into the high costs associated with renting offices for government departments will soon be under way. Sunday Times reported the provincial government spends R34m a month on renting office space, totalling more than R400m a year, despite owning 41 vacant buildings. The vacant buildings are said to be in poor condition and have been declared uninhabitable, resulting in the provincial government having to lease office space from private owners. Lesufi said an independent forensic company was appointed to determine whether the rental costs are justified and if there are any irregularities in the leasing process. He outlined steps to address the issue, including conducting a cost-benefit analysis of owning vs leasing buildings and assisting the provincial government in optimising or selling vacant properties. The government will also explore private sector partnerships to repurpose underused buildings into mixed-use developments.

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