No ‘shadow aircraft’ for Zuma’s French trip‚ says defence department

The Department of Defence has rubbished claims of a “shadow” aircraft accompanying President Jacob Zuma on his trip to France.

Defenceweb reported on June 27 that it had been told that Inkwazi‚ even though it was apparently grounded‚ would be used as a “shadow” aircraft in the unlikely event of the leased presidential aircraft‚ which is apparently eight years old‚ experiencing problems en route.

In a reply to the query on Friday‚ department spokesman Siphiwe Dlamini said the Chief of the South African Air Force‚ Lt-Gen Fabian Msimang‚ the responsible authority for the air transport of the president‚ was not aware of any other transport accompanying Zuma to France.

“As far as we know there are no planes accompanying the president except the one he is travelling in.”

Dlamini said Inkwazi was in the inventory of the air force and the problems Inkwazi had faced were of a technical nature.

“It is no secret that we are engaged in a process of capacitating the 21 Squadron (the VIP transport squadron) to ensure that there is availability of serviceable aircraft at all times for the principals. That process is ongoing‚” Dlamini said.

Zuma will embark on a state visit to France between July 10 and 12‚ during which he will attend the centenary commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood of World War I‚ where many South African soldiers lost their lives.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her deputy Kebby Maphatsoe will accompany Zuma on the state visit to France.

The minister will be leading a military delegation to France for the commemoration of 100 years of South Africa’s participation in the First World War where South African troops died and are buried in Arque-laBataille and Delville Wood.

TMG Digital