22 January 2001
For some time now, South Africa has been subjected to media hype concerning the public investigation of the arms deal signed by the South African Government in November 1999. In particular, we have also witnessed more sensation about the decision of Presid ent Mbeki to exclude the Special Investigations Unit, led by Judge Willem Heath, from this investigation.
For the South African Communist Party (SACP), this investigation into alleged corruption on the arms deal is important and is in the public interest. The SACP supports the continuation of the investigation to ensure that any all dimensions of the deal are investigated and any possibility of corruption is uncovered and that those involved are prosecuted. We also note government's commitment to provide all necessary resources and support to this investigation. The SACP calls on all South Africans to rise abov e this controversy and narrow political interests and support the continuing investigation.
However, the SACP does not agree with the way in which Judge Heath and opposition parties have conducted themselves during this period. Essentially Judge Heath's public statements and actions on this investigation have brought his integrity and independenc e into serious question. Unlike all the other bodies charged with this investigation, Judge Heath has over-exaggerated the role of his Unit and has played to the gallery and chorus of opportunistic opposition party positions on this investigation. As the S ACP we condemn such behaviour which is unbecoming of an independent judiciary as espoused in our country's constitution.
Of concern to all of us should not be whether the Heath Unit is involved or not but how do we all contribute to a conducive climate for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the arms deal. As implied above, the behaviour of Judge Heath and opposition parties has not contributed to a conducive and calm climate in which this investigation must continue.
Governmental and public vigilance about this deal and the investigation should also focus on the counter-trade agreements to invest in infra-structure and create jobs and the transformation of the arms industry. Unfortunately, these important dimensions ha ve been lost in the controversy about the arms deal and the investigation. But the arms deal will not solve the jobs crisis facing us. As we have said in the past, the creation of jobs must be based on a domestically driven industrial strategy, which meets basic needs, develops infrastructure and eradicates poverty. It is within this industrial strategy that the transformation of the arms industry must be based.
Therefore the SACP calls on the investigating bodies and government to ensure that the offset advantages that were promised are actually implemented because massive public money is involved.
CONTACT
Mazibuko K. Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity South African Communist Party
Tel: 011 339 3621/2
Fax: 27 11 339 4244
Cell:083 651 0271
Email: mailto:sacp1@wn.apc.org