Political parties have called for the suspension and resignation of the chief of the South African National Defence Force, Siphiwe Nyanda following allegations that he received discounts for his luxury cars from a company that benefited from the controversial R43-billion arms deal.  

But the ANC came to his defence on Sunday, saying he had secured the discount in his personal capacity from the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

A newspaper report on Sunday revealed that Nyanda had received two Mercedes-Benz vehicles - one worth R500 000, the other worth R400 000 - at massively reduced discounts.

'I don't see any link between the discount and the arms deal'

The report said Nyanda was given a new silver S320 after EADS ordered it as a "private staff" car.

"I don't see any link between the discount and the arms deal. It was a private matter. There are many people who negotiate discounts for cars," said ANC representative Smuts Ngonyama.

Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota's representative, Sam Mkhwanazi, said the minister had just learnt from the news reports that Nyanda had received the two vehicles at a discount from the company involved in the controversial arms deal, and was surprised.

Asked what steps Lekota would be taking after hearing the news, Mkhwanazi said there would probably be an inquiry into the matter. "If the allegations are true, it seems they will form part of the arms deal investigations currently underway."

'Such a foolish man should step down'

However, Nicolette Teichmann, representative for public protector Selby Baqwa, said she could not immediately tell whether the allegations against Nyanda would form part of the arms deal probe.

National Defence Force representative Major General Chris Pepani said that from what he had read, Nyanda had bought the car in his personal capacity and would therefore be best placed to respond to questions arising from it.

The Democratic Alliance said Nyanda should consider stepping down as chief of the armed forces.

"When South Africa was involved in weighing up the arms deal and all of the possible contractors, surely it must have crossed his mind that fingers could be pointed at him.

"Did he not think that getting a discount on his car from EADS would lead to the suspicion that they might be improperly advantaged because he owed them favours?

"The enquiry will still indicate the extent of corruption involved, but General Nyanda should consider whether he is fit to occupy his high office. Such a foolish man should step down," the DA said.

The party has called for full disclosure of the names of the "30 VIPs" involved in the arms deal fiasco, following an EADS disclosure in April that it had helped 30 "VIPs" get fancy cars.

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said Lekota should suspend Nyanda pending a judicial inquiry into the multibillion-rand arms deal.

"If this is an indication of the precarious position of our country's moral fibre, we need to stop tinkering about and call for a judicial commission of inquiry," he said.

Holomisa added that the writing was on the wall for the "comrades in corruption" and said that unless this was stopped the country was heading for disaster. "If we are to follow the ethics of good governance, then Minister Lekota should suspend General Nyanda immediately." 

Nyanda was expected back in the country from overseas later this week. 

With acknowledgement to Independent Online, The Star, Moshoeshoe Monare, Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya and Sapa