Solidarity calls on Defence Minister to end outsourcing of work to Cuban technicians
Trade union Solidarity has criticised Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s decision to outsource the South African Defence Force (SANDF’s) vehicle maintenance and repair work to Cuban technicians, describing it as “outrageous” that the Ministry opted to recruit foreign skills rather than employ skilled South Africans, given the country’s 25.27% unemployment rate.
The comments came as automotive engineering group, the VME Group, which had been previously contracted to do this work, recently informed trade unions that they would be implementing “major” restructuring as a result of the SANDF’s decision to terminate its contract with the company.
The VME Group had been responsible for repairs to SANDF’s vehicles for some 20 years and, according to Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis, around 150 jobs would be affected by the proposed restructuring.
“With the narrow unemployment rate currently standing at 25.27%, it is outrageous that those South Africans with the necessary skills and knowledge to do the work [have not been selected].
“Apart from the fact that the use of Cuban technicians cost taxpayers R1.5-million per vehicle, as opposed to R100 000 per vehicle locally, the Cubans only managed to get 21 of the required 3 600 vehicles ready for combat; in the past, the norm was 3 000 vehicles a year. We urge the Defence Minister to immediately cease using Cuban technicians,” Du Plessis stressed.
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