Mbeki flies in opulence while people are starving
From the Letters section of the Star:
Mbeki flies in opulence while people are starving
June 22, 2004
In President Thabo Mbeki's state of the nation address, he spoke of the fight against poverty.
He must have forgotten that 12 months ago he purchased a R500-million Boeing BBJ, so he could jet around in sumptuous luxury. Fitting out the interior alone cost R100-million.
This expenditure cannot be justified when millions live in informal settlements and 40% of the workforce are unemployed.
The reason for this indulgent purchase, we were told, was that existing aircraft operated by the SAAF's VIP Squadron were not up to requirements. Among others the fleet includes a Falcon 50 and Falcon 900 tri-jets which have intercontinental capability. These are some of the most expensive jets available to major corporations for worldwide operations, but apparently not good enough for our president.
A suitable alternative to the Falcons would have been one of the specially converted Boeing 727-Super 25s, which provide presidential comfort with intercontinental capability. These superb aircraft can be had for R30- to R60-million depending on specifications. This would have been a far less expensive alternative to the new BBJ.
With the present level of tax income of R300-million per annum, it is clear that Mbeki feels he has a mandate to spend taxpayers' money as he pleases, without consideration for those less fortunate members of our society who don't have income.
An even less expensive solution to the president's problem could have been found if he had the sense to use some of SAA's under-utilised equipment, one of the Boeing B747 SPs.
These are due to be sold off now, for little money in Jumbo terms - less than $2-million each.
The long range SP - it can fly from Joburg to Washington non stop - would have been the ideal aircraft for the president.
The upper deck could have been converted for his exclusive use and the balance of seats in luxurious business class on the main deck could have been retained for the use of his entourage.
The cost would have been less than R5-million and the aircraft could have stayed in service - there are still three available from SAA. This would have saved the taxpayer R495-million.
Anthony Howard
Aviation Consultants SA, Lanseria