Calls for SANDF asset register
2003-08-11 17:04
Cape Town - The Freedom Front called on Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota on Monday to introduce a register of interests for senior defence force officers, to combat corruption.
FF spokesperson Pieter Groenewald said an atmosphere susceptible to corruption was being created in the defence force as Lekota no longer had control over the private vehicles bought by senior officers.
In a written reply to a question by Groenewald in the National Assembly, Lekota said that since January 2001, the financing of vehicles for senior government officials no longer formed part of their remuneration package.
"After that date, the purchase and financing of motor vehicles is deemed to be a private matter," he said.
Groenewald said a number of SA National Defence Force heads had bought luxury vehicles at discounted prices from a company involved in the arms deal.
Lekota's statement that he did not have control over, or information on such vehicle purchases, meant that "companies can easily donate luxury vehicles" to officers in exchange for military business contracts.
"This creates an atmosphere susceptible for corruption, and is unacceptable."
Senior officers, especially SANDF heads, should have a Register of Interests where they declared their interests.
"The Freedom Front will request from the minister that such a register be put in place," Groenewald said.
- SAPA