Issued by: Ministry of Defence
I have had an opportunity to consult all government and ANC parties against whom allegations of corruption are made in the anonymously authored document raised in Parliament yesterday. As the Minister of Defence I am taking personal responsibility for the defence equipment procurement and I am satisfied that there is not a shred of truth in any of these accusations.
Meeting the defence needs of our country, identified through the transparent Defence Review process, and maximising the economic benefits for South Africa have been the only goal of this exercise. I have complete confidence that when details of the defence equipment acquisition are announced it will be apparent that we will have met our goal.
This document is a shabby attempt to undermine what has been a process conducted with the utmost propriety, integrity, transparency and accountability through a cowardly combination misinformation, innuendo and personal smear. It will not derail us in our attempts to build a strong SANDF to promote peace, secure democracy and build a better life into the African century. In my consultations with civil society the need for an independent authority to be working on the negotiations was emphasised. The negotiating team, I can assure you, has been constituted on that basis.
I have also contacted the official representatives of the supplier countries mentioned in the document. They have confirmed that none of the allegations are founded in reality.
We reiterate our commitment to transparency and accountability. We believe that is the best way to counter any impropriety. We will take steps to ensure that the terms of the contract, including the industrial participation elements are strictly adhered to.
Furthermore, we will ask the departments of Defence and Trade and Industry to provide regular updates on the implementation of the IP components.
I challenge the author or authors of this document to come forward out of the shadows.
10 September 1999
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