MPs want to increase flying hours

MPs want more cash spent on army  

By Michael Hamlyn

Parliament's defence committee is calling for more money to be spent on South Africa's land defences.

"The implementation of plans for the modernisation and renewal of the landward defence is critical and this needs to commence as soon as possible," the committee said in a report tabled in Parliament.

The committee also demands that modernisation of the South African army merits urgent attention and be reprioritised. "This is necessary to provide the South African army with new Strategic Defence Packages," the report said, "especially as it relates to the modernisation of prime mission equipment."

In addition the committee is seeking to reverse the reduction in flying hours which has been imposed on the air force.

"The planned reduction in flying hours threatens the achievement of a 100 percent capability, and the quality of training of fighter pilots at the new air force base," the report said. "And this needs to be corrected."

The deteriorating state of the defence department's buildings and facilities needs to be addressed as soon as possible, the committee added.

Members also said that skills development remained a key concern. "An explanation on a possible retainer fee is needed," they said. "This is especially relevant given the tendency of skilled professionals to join the private sector. Creative ways of retaining skills needs to be sought."

Source: I-Net Bridge