The flushing of another R8bn down the Denel drain must be condemned by every thinking citizen, Denel gets R8bn shot in the arm, ditches Rooivalk (May 18).

In real terms, the contribution of this lifeline to the ailing arms producer is about as meaningful as digging 264 big holes and filling them up again.

The latter project would at least have the benefit of being labour-intensive and inoffensive.

The only benefit of this one, coming in the wake of the R60bn splurge on major weapons systems for the navy and the air force, is more toys for boys — with more guns and gadgets thrown in.

SA faces no conventional military threat. What we do face is a human security threat. We don’t need infantry combat vehicles. What we need are more and better paid teachers, health workers and police. What we need are far more serious inroads into the backlog of housing and the inequalities in the provision of services.

The Ceasefire Campaign has long argued that the Rooivalk is a white elephant. While the acceptance of this argument comes as a huge relief, it is absolutely iniquitous that it was not appreciated long ago, before we pumped in the first R8bn.

To present the electorate with a fait accompli in the form of a contract signed by the defence-industrial complex is an insult both to voters and to Parliament.

This scurrilous contract needs to be torn up and Denel needs to be responsibly closed before it chews up any more of the nation’s hard-earned income.

Rob Thomson
Ceasefire Campaign

With acknowledgements to Rob Thomson and Business Day.