The Congress of the People on Sunday reiterated its opposition to plans to purchase a new executive jet for President Jacob Zuma‚ claiming it was certain “from what we know of this government” that the plan to purchase an executive jet was at an advanced stage.

“Mr Zuma will not blink at the price tag of R4billion. He has customarily placed his interest and his comfort ahead of all other considerations‚” COPE spokesman Dennis Bloem charged on Sunday.

He said South Africa was in a very difficult economic situation and that the priorities that the government must assemble should place the needs of the people first.

 “The pressure for free university education is mounting by the day. Communities and farmers‚ severely hit by the terrible drought‚ are waiting for assistance. Poor people are unable to put food on the table. The need to address food security is critically important and very urgent.

 “The jobless‚ 56% of whom are youth‚ have dismal prospects of landing a job. Job creation has to be stimulated with the resources we have. Our all-important health care facilities are collapsing. This needs to be addressed urgently. The land issue is now more laden with tension than before. The purchasing of an executive jet cannot and must never be a priority‚” Bloem said.

“The government must douse the flames of anger and revolt. It must give real hope to citizens not plunge them into deeper despair. Political leaders must become less self-centred.

“COPE urges the Minister of Finance‚ Pravin Gordhan‚ not to budge on this issue. He must not succumb to pressure to borrow even more money to make possible the purchase of a new executive jet for Mr Zuma‚” Bloem added.