The Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) decided to postpone its meeting with the Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF) today following a request from the Minister of Defence Lindiwe Sisulu.
The Committee was scheduled to listen to a presentation by the SAAF chief in Parliament today outlining the various challenges facing the air force including, among others, transformation and conditions of VIP flights. This meeting would also follow up on matters discussed in the 27 October 2011 with the SAAF chief.
Subsequently, the Minister of Defence Lindiwe Sisulu wrote to the two co-chairpersons of the Committee requesting us to ensure that the information she required the Chiefs of the Air Force and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to impart to us was sensitive and therefore classified. She therefore requested us to provide her with the assurance of information security to ensure the briefing takes place.
The Committee noted the following issues raised by the letter from the Minister:
- The Minister wishes the briefing to take place at the earliest opportunity available to the Committee
- That the security of the classified information to be disseminated be protected by the Committee
- That there is additional information that should be provided to the Committee with respect to financial implications of SAAF problems and operational matters of the SANDF that are reaching a critical stage.
The Committee welcomed the cooperation of the Minister of Defence and responded by taking a decision to apply to the Parliament presiding officers, National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mninwa Mahlangu, for a closed meeting to ensure that the briefing goes ahead.
The Joint Rules of Parliament, page 27 clause 47, do give Parliament the powers to give permission for certain matters to be discussed by committees in a closed meeting.
For enquiries or interviews with Mr Montsitsi, contact:
Modise Kabeli
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 3403
Cell: 082 077 4682
E-mail: mkabeli@parliament.gov.za
