SA NATIONAL Defence Force chief Gen Siphiwe Nyanda denied yesterday a media report that there was growing tension between him and Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota.

He was reacting to a Sunday newspaper report that tension was brewing between the two because of his purchase of a luxury vehicle at a discounted rate from a company embroiled in the arms procurement controversy.

"I state unequivocally that there has never been nor is there any tension or a rift between Lekota and myself on this or any other issue," said Nyanda.

He said that he had met Lekota on Thursday to discuss a number of matters, including the purchase of motor vehicles.

"Lekota understood and accepted my explanation and he was satisfied.

"I take the strongest exception to this report, which has no factual basis expect for the fact that Lekota and I met this week.

"This report is the figment of the imagination of the reporter concerned," he said.

Lekota's spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said he would not comment because it was a "speculative story".

After his meeting with Nyanda on Thursday, Lekota said he was happy for now with Nyanda's explanation of how he acquired his cut-rate Mercedes Benz S320. f R494750.

Most major vehicle manufacturers offer a special discount to all public servants over and above the discounts offered to the general public.  

With acknowledgment to Business Day.