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The IFP welcomes Cabinet's decision to terminate Government's contract
to purchase eight A400 airbus strategic lift aircraft. The Minister of
Defence and Military Veterans discussed this decision with the
Portfolio Committee today.

"The R2.9 billion that will be returned to the Treasury must be used
more effectively to assist those hardest hit by the economic
recession," said IFP Spokesperson Mr VB Ndlovu. "From the beginning
the IFP felt the money allocated to this contract could have been put
to better use elsewhere."

Government intended to use the eight aircraft to assist in
peacekeeping missions, but the IFP believes that other, less expensive
means could and should be found in this regard. "It is hoped that the
money will be returned without delay so that we can put bad planning
behind us and move forward with good projects," said Ndlovu.

For this reason, the IFP rejects the call for an ad hoc Committee to
investigate the contract termination. There is nothing to be gained
and more time and money would be wasted on this pointless exercise.