The United States of America (USA) has withdrawn from the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo (AAD) set to take place between 18 – 20 September at the Waterkloof Airbase. The AAD combines both a trade exhibition and an air show, and is regarded as a national asset.
This withdrawal is a direct result of the Department of Defence’s refusal to confirm the application of the 1999 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) during the visit.
The Status of Forces Agreement between South Africa and the United States has been in place for more than 25 years and ensures that our 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 6th of September deadline in order for the US to prepare for departure, this was not forthcoming.
The DA can further confirm that Minister Angie Motshekga was personally informed that a failure on the part of her Department to transmit the required diplomatic communication would mean that the United States would be unable to participate in the AAD.
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.
The Department of Defence either deliberately sabotaged the United States participation in the AAD, or are staggeringly incompetent.
In either case, Minister Angie Motshekga must take full responsibility for this staggering incompetence or sabotage.
These actions undermine the incredible efforts that political leaders, government officials, and Ministers within the Government of National Unity have invested into rebuilding trust between South Africa and the United States following our previous ANC-led government’s liaisons with hostile foreign states, intent on destabilising democracy throughout the world.
The Democratic Alliance, as a key partner in the Government of National Unity, will simply not tolerate saboteurs in government who seek to undermine our national interest by continuing to deviate from our renewed commitment to the principle of non-alignment.
Minister Motshekga must now account to South Africa for this national embarrassment.