General insists on Merc
2010-06-07 22:54
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Pretoria - The air force is struggling to keep its aircraft flying with a shrinking budget, but apparently this doesn't mean senior officers should be satisfied with anything less than the best.Two occasions over the past few weeks will eventually probably cost the air force hundreds of thousands of rands, because a simpler option was simply not good enough for these particular officers.In one incident, an air force general took a flight to Cape Town two weeks ago, in order to attend the wings parade at the Central Flight School Langebaanweg.The flight school made arrangements to fetch him from Cape Town airport and take him to Langebaanweg.The school's only available VIP vehicle was a brand new Nissan Almera. However, rumours have it that the general refused to get into the Almera. He insisted on a Mercedes-Benz.As an emergency solution a Mercedes was borrowed from the Ysterplaat airforce base's VIP fleet, in order to transport the general in style. The Almera followed behind.For the same occasion, lunch was prepared for 40 guests of honour. About R10 000 worth of liquor was bought, including only the best of whiskies.The base's staff and their guests, who also attended the parade, had to pay for their own drinks.Despite repeated requests for comment, the air force has not responded.Whisky glasses too smallIn another incident, a holiday resort is taking legal action against the air force after they booked the resort for a working session, but later apparently found it to be too "simple".Altogether 18 air force members, including senior officers, wanted to have a working session in the Drakensberg, where the helicopter squadron do their training for mountain flying.According to Ed Salomons, owner of the Inkosana Lodge, the air force asked him for a quote. He emphasised the fact that the resort is very simple, and better known as a comfortable backpacker's lodge.The officer who made the arrangements assured him that this comfortable environment is exactly what they would need to hold the working session over three days.Salomons turned down all other bookings for that time, in order for the lodge to be as comfortable as possible for the air force.Although initially insisting that the air force pay for the accommodation, all meals and conference facilities upfront, there was always some problem with the payment.However, the group did arrive at the lodge on the arranged date. Everything was ready, and they had lunch.One officer had a problem with the glasses being too small for his whiskey. Another was annoyed by the fact that some of them had to share rooms.Left without paying"It was clear that my place doesn't comply with their standards, despite the fact that I warned the officer who made the booking," said Salomons.The group left without paying a cent, and Salomons had no choice but to absorb the losses due to the cancellation.His attorneys have already issued summons to the air force. Siphiwe Dlamini, defence force spokesperson, said the case has now been handed over to the defence force's legal representatives and that any comment would be premature.
Read more on: pietermaritzburg cape town pretoria sandf
Related Links
SA army needs more cash - Sisulu
Admin, fence hamper border control
SANDF unhappy with SWC pay
Erika Gibson, Beeld
Pretoria - The air force is struggling to keep its aircraft flying with a shrinking budget, but apparently this doesn't mean senior officers should be satisfied with anything less than the best.Two occasions over the past few weeks will eventually probably cost the air force hundreds of thousands of rands, because a simpler option was simply not good enough for these particular officers.In one incident, an air force general took a flight to Cape Town two weeks ago, in order to attend the wings parade at the Central Flight School Langebaanweg.The flight school made arrangements to fetch him from Cape Town airport and take him to Langebaanweg.The school's only available VIP vehicle was a brand new Nissan Almera. However, rumours have it that the general refused to get into the Almera. He insisted on a Mercedes-Benz.As an emergency solution a Mercedes was borrowed from the Ysterplaat airforce base's VIP fleet, in order to transport the general in style. The Almera followed behind.For the same occasion, lunch was prepared for 40 guests of honour. About R10 000 worth of liquor was bought, including only the best of whiskies.The base's staff and their guests, who also attended the parade, had to pay for their own drinks.Despite repeated requests for comment, the air force has not responded.Whisky glasses too smallIn another incident, a holiday resort is taking legal action against the air force after they booked the resort for a working session, but later apparently found it to be too "simple".Altogether 18 air force members, including senior officers, wanted to have a working session in the Drakensberg, where the helicopter squadron do their training for mountain flying.According to Ed Salomons, owner of the Inkosana Lodge, the air force asked him for a quote. He emphasised the fact that the resort is very simple, and better known as a comfortable backpacker's lodge.The officer who made the arrangements assured him that this comfortable environment is exactly what they would need to hold the working session over three days.Salomons turned down all other bookings for that time, in order for the lodge to be as comfortable as possible for the air force.Although initially insisting that the air force pay for the accommodation, all meals and conference facilities upfront, there was always some problem with the payment.However, the group did arrive at the lodge on the arranged date. Everything was ready, and they had lunch.One officer had a problem with the glasses being too small for his whiskey. Another was annoyed by the fact that some of them had to share rooms.Left without paying"It was clear that my place doesn't comply with their standards, despite the fact that I warned the officer who made the booking," said Salomons.The group left without paying a cent, and Salomons had no choice but to absorb the losses due to the cancellation.His attorneys have already issued summons to the air force. Siphiwe Dlamini, defence force spokesperson, said the case has now been handed over to the defence force's legal representatives and that any comment would be premature.
Read more on: pietermaritzburg cape town pretoria sandf
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