Cape Town - Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota says relations between him, defence force chief General Siphiwe Nyanda and and defence secretary January Masilela "could not be better".

Addressing Parliament's joint standing committee on defence, Lekota rejected claims of long-standing tension between the three, made before the committee earlier this week by SA National Defence Union general secretary Cor van Niekerk. Lekota said he had no idea on what van Niekerk had based his statements.

"We (Lekota, Nyanda, and Masilela) have a perfect, excellent relationship... what this young man is talking about, I don't know."

Lekota also rejected claims that he "interferes" with Nyanda's duties and responsibilities, and the workings of the SA National Defence Force.

Nyanda, as an experienced soldier, knew far more about military matters. The minister said his "sphere" was to "enunciate policy".

In any event, he would be perfectly within his rights as minister to accept or reject advice given by either Nyanda or Masilela, Lekota said.

On Wednesday, van Niekerk told the committee that "all members" of the defence force were aware of the "conflict" between Lekota and Nyanda, which had been going on for some time.

With acknowledgement to News24 and Sapa.