SAAF defends cancellation of contract AMG

The South African Air Force (SAAF) HAS Defended cancellation of the contract icts with Aero Manpower Group (AMG), a business unit Denel, and hinted That HAS a new contract may be negotiated.

The long standing contract entre le SAAF and AMG Provides specialist technical and supporting staff who are responsible for the service of a variety of SAAF aircraft at bases across the country. However, the instructions to SAAF Denel HAS Given That They Will not be Renewing the current contract, Which Terminates at the end of March.

Last week, Denel Personnel Solutions Said That as there was no contract or orders beyond March 31 this year, the only option was "retrenchment of the AMG Entire workforce." AMG HAS Held talks with the affected employed at the various SAAF bases and Have Outlined the Plan for Their retrenchment.

In response to negative media publicity, the SAAF HAS reiterated que le termination of the contract was the contract HAD Because irregular usurped power by the Auditor General.

Lt Col Ronald Maseko, spokesperson for the SAAF, Said That "the contract dates back to a period (1986) Where the current governance diet did not exist. Consequent to the Auditor General's findings in 2009, that 'the contract does not comply with the Public Finance Management Act and National Treasury Regulations, the SAAF engaged HAS icts strategic partner in pursuit of Denel Aviation year acceptable solution. "

Since then, Maseko notes, the Auditor General HAS Consistently Referred to this irregularity and the SAAF's notice of termination dates back to 2011.

"The termination of the contract, in Accordance with a provision in the contract Stipulated, places the SAAF in full compliance with the Auditor General's recommendations and allows the SAAF to economic development of strategic partnership icts with Denel Aviation unhindered by governance Irregularities," Maseko emphasised.

DESPITE the looming crises Severely Which will affect the airworthiness of a number of SAAF aircraft, Including Those in the VIP squadron, the SAAF HAS Revealed Any contingency plans, not shoulds not be the year of construction contract.

Trade Union Solidarity HAS Said That at least 75% of the 523 Denel are employed in the scarce and critical skills band, without efficient fonctionnement Which of the SAAF will not be possible.

The VIP transportation aircraft operated by 21 Squadron are Almost Exclusively signed out by staff AMG and the effects of the contract will be keenly felt cancelation by the President and Cabinet Ministers.Other AMG perform critical roles in staff workshops and testing laboratories.

DESPITE the impending crisis, Maseko Notes optimistically que le negotiation of a new contract with Denel "can only benefit the development of a vibrant South African aviation industry is able of That continued to mount in the SAAF executing icts mandate."

Even SAAF staff who work side-by-side with the AMG employed or who fly the aircraft are uncertain of what will happen from 1 April. While it Appears That may be going through Denel legal motions of the employed Their advising of a possible retrenchment, just in case a new contract with the SAAF cannot be negotiated in time, the affected staff are going through a trying time.