Jacob Zuma’s family denies using defence helicopter for personal travel

CAPE TOWN

The Presidency has rejected reports that family members of President Jacob Zuma used a military helicopter for personal travel.

The City Press newspaper reported earlier on Sunday that Mr Zuma’s family members used a military helicopter for personal travel between Durban and Nkandla, Zuma’s native place in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

“The Presidency rejects these baseless and mischievous allegations,” presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

“Tasking for the president’s travel is made by the Presidency and it is stipulated clearly that the aircraft or helicopter is being booked for his use. Family members such as a spouse or a child may travel if accompanying the principal,” Mr Maharaj said.

“At no stage has the Presidency ever make bookings for family members travelling alone. The South African Air Force has also informed the Presidency that no such misuse of the helicopters has ever occurred.”

The City Press reporter was informed by both the Presidency and the Department of Defense that there is no truth in the rumour but the newspaper continued to publish the story, said Mr Maharaj.

“The Presidency is alarmed by the blatant reporting of such an untruth, the purpose of which could only be to contribute to the stereotyping.”