Chairperson, the military has many success stories, not limited to the success of supporting democracy and peacekeeping initiatives in Africa, securing the South African airspace during the Fifa Soccer World Cup, securing borders against illegal activities, providing humanitarian and disaster relief, and being the military provider of last resort when all else fails, such as during last year's Public Service strike at 74 hospitals. The Minister needs to be commended for these achievements.
Last year, hon Minister, you commended the ACDP's input as we argued passionately for more funds for the military following years of underfunding. We will continue to do so. However, for us as parliamentarians to be sympathetic and exercise our powers in terms of the Money Bills Amendment Act, we must be assured that funds allocated will be properly spent.
This brings me to the vexed issue of VIP travel. We, in the ACDP, are extremely concerned about the estimated expenditure of R800 million on the lease of two additional VIP jets. We would ask you, hon Minister, to help us understand the motivation behind this expenditure, given that the portfolio committee emphasised that maximum efficiency and accounting in the use of limited resources is essential.
We ask you what message this sends out to the average person who is struggling with widespread poverty and unemployment, including military veterans. Wouldn't it be cheaper to charter a jet when the President's Boeing is not available? The total cost of charters last year was R36,9 million, less than a quarter of the R160 million available per year over five years with the allocated R808 million.
The department is expected to save R1,3 billion over the medium term. I don't know how that is going to be achieved, given the budgetary constraints. But the saving on this aspect could go a long way in this regard, and that saving could be used to finance increases in salaries and benefits for members, as well as for operational expenses.
Hon Minister, it is interesting that last year when I travelled with the former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to Nairobi, it was on a commercial airline. If he can fly on a commercial airline, why can't our former President, considering that he also has security concerns.
As far as trade unions are concerned, we support the Minister's view and look forward to processing the legislation in this regard. However, as my colleagues have pointed out, we will then have to deal with grievances properly and expeditiously.
May I conclude by saying that we can be proud of the exceptional role our Defence Force has played, and continues to play, in the country and on the continent, notwithstanding severe budgetary constraints. Let us spend funds more wisely to properly equip, train and pay our men in uniform, who are prepared to offer the supreme sacrifice in defence of our country and its citizens.
We, as the ACDP, also wish to thank the former Chief of the SANDF for his dedicated service and wish him everything of the best with his new appointment as ambassador. I thank you. [Applause.]