Manuel concludes arms deal evidence

The odds are stacked against the truth in the Seriti Commission of Inquiry probing allegations of fraud and corruption in the multi-billion rand arms deal.

That’s the view of one of the deal’s main critics, Hennie van Vuuren.

Van Vuuren has criticised the performance of former government ministers who have testified so far, and the way the commission has been conducted.

I think it’s important for the public not necessarily to lose faith in the commission.

He claims international arms companies are trying to sway the inquiry into reaching conclusions favourable to them.

“Crucial difference between this investigation and others we’ve had in the past is that it happens out in the open and out in public. I think it’s important for the public not necessarily to lose faith in the commission," said Van Vuuren.

Meanwhile, former finance minister Trevor Manuel on Thursday rejected claims he had said there were problems with the arms deal but they would not be uncovered.

Anna-Marie de Vos, for Lawyers for Human Rights, cross-examined Manuel into the 1999 multi-billion rand arms deal about his meeting with former ANC MP and author Andrew Feinstein in November 2001.

Asked whether he still remembered his meeting with Feinstein, Manuel said: "I even remember what he ate that day."

"You asked to have lunch with Mr Feinstein. About that meeting, he wrote in his book: 'I was encouraged by rumours that he had never supported the arms deal in Cabinet, primarily concerned with its impact on fiscal stability'," De Vos said.

"What do you say about the fact that there are rumours you did not support the arms deal in Cabinet? Newspaper articles quoted various people saying you were against the amount that was going to be spent."

Manuel said finance ministers were a special breed of people.

"They don't like parting with money. They argue the same whether it is the department of education, health, or anybody."

Manuel concluded his evidence. The inquiry was adjourned and will resume on a date to be announced.

Former president Thabo Mbeki was scheduled to testify after Manuel but this was postponed because his mother Epainette died on Saturday.

President Jacob Zuma appointed the commission in 2011 to investigate alleged corruption in the multi-billion rand deal.

Government acquired, among other hardware, 26 Gripen fighter aircraft and 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainer aircraft for the air force, and frigates and submarines for the navy.

-Additional reporting Sapa