SA NATIONAL Defence Force chief Gen Siphiwe Nyanda's vast experience of all things military has stood him in good stead during the Mercs-for-arms scandal especially his ability to generate smokescreens.

When we tried to engage him recently to ask about the discount he got on his EADS Mercedes-Benz, he had a defensive strategy in place to confuse would-be attackers: "I think my office released a statement some time ago. I have nothing to add to that," he said with a smile. "You see, you must read newspapers."  

With acknowledgment to Business Day.