Tension is brewing between Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and SA National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Siphiwe Nyanda over the latter's purchase of a luxury vehicle at a discount rate from a company embroiled in the arms procurement controversy.

There are now fears that a clash between these two strong personalities is imminent.

Nyanda established his credentials in the former Umkhonto we Sizwe ranks, where he was held in high esteem. Lekota is one of the foremost products of internal-struggle bodies like the United Democratic Front (UDF).

At the centre of the misunderstanding between the SANDF chief and his immediate political head is Nyanda's purchase of a luxury Mercedes S320 at the beginning of this year through an arms manufacturing company mentioned in the arms deal investigation.

The two met this week over the issue, but it appears little common ground was reached between them.

Apparently Nyanda is not happy that Lekota seems not to have accepted his explanation about how he obtained his car. This is also in spite of an earlier explanation by the SANDF that the purchase of the car was above board.

Media reports have in recent weeks claimed Nyanda was one of the beneficiaries of huge discounts from the armaments company European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (Eads).

On Friday Lekota's spokesperson, Sam Mkhwanazi, was reported by Sapa as saying the minister was "happy for now" about the explanation given by Nyanda about how he acquired the cut-rate vehicle.

But he went further to state that if the investigation indicated any evidence of wrongdoing or corruption on anyone's part, appropriate action would be taken against those involved.

Instead of putting the matter to rest, the remark that Lekota was "happy for now" and the additional rejoinder about the possibility of appropriate action being taken if investigations reveal any wrongdoing, has raised eyebrows on whether or not Lekota is "totally and unreservedly satisfied" with Nyanda's explanation.

The SANDF chief has refused to be drawn into any discussion on the dispute, except to state he is taking legal action.

An army source said he was not likely to take kindly to the "seemingly ambivalent" position taken by Lekota over the issue.

"The minister has not accused General Nyanda of any impropriety or suspicions of wrongdoing. But he also does not seem to be willing to take a categoric stance, despite the assurances given by the SANDF and the general's explanation this week," a source told City Press.

"This ambivalence has brought about unhealthy tension between the two. General Nyanda bought his newest car this year at a time when the arms package deals had long been concluded and Eads did not stand to benefit by extending favours to the SANDF chief.

"Even the general's purchase of the first car (another Merc in 1998) should not be an issue. He bought this car months after the department of defence had already made its recommendations and passed the matter to cabinet."

Four weeks ago Lekota told the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association he would ask Nyanda, who was then reported to be away on leave, to enlighten him about the purchase of the car. Lekota said he had an opinion on the purchase of Nyanda's two cars through a company mentioned in the arms probe, but was not prepared to reveal it then because the whole matter was the subject of investigation.

The minister said he would wait for Nyanda to return from leave so he could apprise himself with the full facts. He said as a general rule, officials were subject to the public service regulations and none should try to benefit themselves by using their office.

Lekota said he was himself offered a substantial discount on a Mercedes 4x4 he had test driven, but declined the offer and opted to buy a more expensive BMW.

By choosing a BMW, it appears Lekota clearly wanted to distance himself from a company which could be linked to the arms deal.

According to the Sapa report, Nyanda requested a meeting with Lekota in Pretoria this week to explain how he acquired the car, and Lekota accepted his story.

A month ago the SANDF publicly stated there was nothing untoward about Nyanda's purchase of the car. In light of this, the intriguing question is: why does it appear as if the minister is not totally happy with the explanation offered by the SANDF and its chief?

In clearing Nyanda of any wrong-doing in the purchase of the Mercedes Benz S320, valued at a retail price of R494 750, which he obtained at a discount of R74 000 or 15,11 percent, the SANDF through its spokesperson Major General Chris Pepani, said: "The transaction involving the official vehicle of General Nyanda was a normal transaction between two parties and there was no whopping bargain involved, but only the normal discount, applicable to any official.

"There was nothing underhand in the transaction, but this was done in a transparent manner with documents to prove it."

This statement was thought to place Nyanda's purchase of the vehicle beyond dispute. Or does it? It seems the minister is of the view the matter is not closed until the three state organs entrusted with the investigation have made their pronouncements.  

With acknowledgement to Sekola Sello and News 24.