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Jacob Zuma, South Africa's president and leader of the African National Congress (ANC) (Image
credits: AFP)
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Plans by the South
African National Defence Force (SANDF) to buy a new jet for President Jacob
Zuma at a reported cost of around US$280m (£185m) have been met with fierce
criticism. The
announcement came soon after the government said there was not enough money to
fund university education. Students held massive public protests calling for no
fees at universities in their #FeesMustFall campaign.
The
main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party said the plan to buy the jet was
unjustifiable. DA shadow defence minister Kobus Marais said the treasury was
already struggling to balance its books.
BBC News report continues:
He
said it was "absolutely unacceptable that in this time when people are
losing their jobs, unemployment is increasing, that they're even
considering" the idea.
The
South African National Defence Union, which represents soldiers, said the money
could be better spent on troops and military equipment.
It is not clear whether the
statement issued by President Zuma's office today requesting that the
procurement process be as transparent as possible and stating that all aircraft
purchased by the SANDF ultimately "belong to the state" will do
enough to quieten the outcry.
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