Zuma did not refuse to fly in presidential aircraft
The Presidency has denied media reports that President Jacob Zuma refused to fly in the presidential jet due to alleged fears of sabotage. “The President did not refuse to fly in any aircraft as reported today‚” said Presidency spokesman Dr Bongani Ngqulunga.“The Presidency requested that a reliable aircraft be made available on 23 May 2016 in order to avoid another inconvenience too soon after Qatar‚ where the Presidential plane Inkwazi broke down again‚ resulting in the need to source an alternative aircraft to enable the President to return to South Africa‚” he added. Ngqulunga said a report that Zuma was on his way to Durban to deal with issues relating to the change of Premiers in that province was also incorrect.“The President was on his way to Durban to officiate at the launch of the new Toyota Hilux and Fortuner models on Tuesday‚ after which he needed to go to Cape Town to chair Cabinet the next morning‚” Ngqulunga said. “The Defence Force has indicated that it is looking for long term solutions to the plane debacle which affects both the President and the Deputy President‚” he added...
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