DA blames minister for US withdrawal from Aerospace Expo

The United States of America has withdrawn from the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo between September 18 and 22 at the Waterkloof Airbase.

The expo combines a trade exhibition and an air show and is regarded as a national asset.

Emma Powell, DA Member of Parliament and spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation, said the withdrawal is a direct result of the Department of Defence’s refusal to confirm the application of the 1999 Status of Forces Agreement during the visit.

The agreement between South Africa and the United States has been in place for more than 25 years and ensures that the respective militaries are afforded all internationally recognised diplomatic immunities and privileges.

“Despite multiple reminders to the Minister of Defence and the lieutenant-general of Defence Intelligence that a written guarantee was required by the September 6 deadline for the US to prepare for departure, this was not forthcoming,” explained Powell.

She said the DA can further confirm that Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga was personally informed if her department failed to transmit the required diplomatic communication it would mean that the US would be unable to participate in the exhibition.

“It was only after the United States announced its withdrawal this week that the Department of Defence finally transmitted the required diplomatic guarantee. By this stage the Department of Defence, and those responsible, knew full well that it would be too late for the USA to prepare their vessels for departure,” said Powell.

She maintained that the department either deliberately sabotaged the US’ participation in the show, “or is staggeringly incompetent. In either case, Motshekga must take full responsibility”.

Powell said her political party as a key partner in the Government of National Unity, will simply not tolerate saboteurs in government who seek to undermine the national interest “by continuing to deviate from our renewed commitment to the principle of non-alignment”.

“Motshekga must now account to South Africa for this national embarrassment,” said Powell.

The exhibition is regarded to be the biggest show ever in the aerospace industry in Africa when it kicks off on September 18 with more than 20 countries participating this year.

Briefing military attachés from different countries participating in the exhibition about the state of readiness last month, executive committee chairperson, Segomotso Tire, assured participating countries, exhibitors and the public that the show will be bigger and better this year.

“This 12th edition couldn’t have come at a better time as it coincides with South Africa’s 30 years of democracy. It also underscores the importance of government-to-government collaboration,” said Tire.

The air show component will see the SA Air Force in action with current and museum aircraft.

There will be 40 displays a day at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion.

Provisionally on the list from the South African Air Force are its Gripen and Hawk jet fighters, Agusta A109 and BK117 helicopters, as well as the home-grown Rooivalk combat support rotorcraft and the Silver Falcons aerobatic team.

Gripens will be exhibited in a solo display by 2 Squadron, and an 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 is also listed as a solo display.

Other displays include Tiger Moths, the Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials, Nashua Extras and Flying Lions Harvard aerobatic teams.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketpro starting at R130.

The Defence Force, as well as the media team of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo and the press attaché of the USA Embassy, were approached for comment but none was received by the time of publication.

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