After years of speculation and constant bickering the debate has finally been settled, size does matter. At least that’s what President Jacob Zuma would have us think as Secretary of Defence, Dr Sam Makhudu Gulube finalises the purchase of a R2bn Boeing in the US. Click through to read the full breakdown of the presidential boys and their expensive toys.

The plane Zuma has his eye on is a 63.7m Boeing 777-200, which comes with a hefty price tag of $150 million. Of course a stock model would never be enough to satisfy the likes of our president and a further $80 million will be forked out to reconfigure the plane to Zuma’s specifications. I’m thinking built-in karaoke, a small dancefloor and ample shower facilities. The deal also includes a smaller Global Express 600 for the deputy president at $28 million, a small price to pay to ensure that nobody’s left out.

Inexplicably people are upset by this, believing the exorbitant purchase is simply not necessary.

“It’s simply wrong to spend nearly R2bn on President Zuma’s new Boeing 777-200 LR business jet when so many people in our country are poor,” DA defence spokesman David Maynier said. “I hope delegates at the ANC’s national policy conference ask President Zuma to explain how a R2bn presidential business jet will help our country tackle the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality?”

However, you’ll be happy to know that the jet was initially priced at $305 million but thanks to some slick negotiating it was knocked down to a much more manageable $150. Even so, Independent Newspapers reported that the deal “failed to follow normal requirements that such procurements be put out to competitive tender”. The plane was originally destined for another buyer, but when the deal fell through South African shoppers ears perked up. After missing an initial deadline of 30 May for a “definite agreement” certain measures had to be taken to secure the Boeing. However, it is still not clear whether special powers were invoked by the treasury to secure the deal. It’s also worth noting that the Defence Ministry chose to procure the planes via SAA, not the South African Airforce which is in fact the authority mandated for VVIP air travel.

The biggest question on everyone’s lips is where the money is going to come from to fund the purchase. Former defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu indicated that the Department of Defence could “find” the needed $80 million to refurbish the aircraft, and would also be able to cover the considerable operating costs of both planes by simply reprioritising budgets and expenditures. Who would’ve thought it could be so easy?

[Source: IOL]