No 'editing' of SA arms report

2003-05-21 19:33

Donwald Pressly

Cape Town - South African deputy president Jacob Zuma says he has no knowledge of the involvement of anyone in editing the final report on the South Africa's controversial arms deal which will see the air force and navy re-equipped with aircraft and corvettes.

The report into alleged irregularities into the R60bn arms deal was presented to parliament by three state agencies - the public protector, the auditor general and the national director of public prosecutions - in 2001.

Responding to a question from Raenette Taljaard, Democratic Alliance finance spokesperson, Zuma said: "I am sure if the member is well informed she will have to help me to give me that information which indicates that there are people who changed the report."

He said when reports of this kind were drawn up comments were made "and on that basis the final report is done ... that is the process I think that was followed".

"If there is such an official who did so with the aim of protecting others ... that information is very necessary so we can follow it."

'Extensive editing'

Taljaard said during question time in the National Assembly: "Revelations today have shown that the cabinet ... played a role in an extensive editing of the draft report of the arms investigation and made specific changes and alterations - some of which served to protect officials of the Department of Defence who misled the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in October 2000 in respect of (the arms company) Thales' involvement with African Defence Systems and conflicts of interest in respect of the Shaik brothers."

Business Day reported that Chippy Shaik, the former arms procurer denied a connection between African Defence Systems - a company now part owned by his brother Schabir - had a connection with French arms giant Thomson International although an earlier report indicated that Thomson had bought 50% of shares as early as April 1988.

Unresolved questions

Taljaard said further: ""These revelations come in a context where there are still, despite your numerous denials, unresolved questions about your own involvement with Thales in this sordid saga and emerge within days of the disgraceful non-disclosure of private interests by the Minister of Defence (Mosiuoa Lekota)."

Zuma has repeatedly denied allegations that he tried to solicit a R500 000 bribe from the former South African head of Thales, Alain Thetard.

The Defence Minister has acknowledged interests in a liquor company and an oil company which he did not disclose to the parliamentary register of members' interests.

Zuma said on Wednesday afternoon: "I think there is a process in any sensible country that is followed; charges are brought and people taken to court. With regard to myself I don't deal with rumours. How can you answer rumours?"

But Taljaard retorted: "When will this cabinet learn that it has a specific responsibility in any moral regeneration movement and must lead from the front?"

- I-Net Bridge (Business)