Defence and security news publication defenceWeb writes that the aircraft maintenance capabilities of the SA Air Force (SAAF), including in respect of the presidential Boeing Inkwazi, have decreased dramatically.  

This is since the last of the AMG/Denel support personnel were laid off, resulting in serious implications for aircraft serviceability and safety.  The SAAF decided in 2011 to terminate the AMG contract because it had been declared irregular by the Auditor General.  Approximately 523 aircraft specialists were stationed at various bases and squadrons countrywide.  The last group of support personnel were laid off at the end of April this year.   The SAAF is utilising in-house capabilities for maintenance and operational requirements.

• Read this report by Dean Wingrin in full at defenceWeb
• Read too, Lack of technicians the problem with Zuma’s jet, at HeraldLive
• And also, Ex-SAA pilot says causes of President’s jet unreliability need to be probed, at SowetanLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page