Billionaire arms manufacturer Ivor Ichikowitz, a vocal
supporter and funder of the ANC, has emerged as a pivotal player in the newly
launched low-cost airline Flyafrica's battle for the skies. Flyafrica, which
launched six months ago, is owned by a private equity company based in
Mauritius, offering flights between South Africa and Zimbabwe, Namibia and
Zambia.
Ichikowitz is the founder and executive chairman of the
Paramount Group, which makes, among other things, military equipment such as
armoured vehicles and surveillance drones, primarily for the African market. It
is the biggest privately owned defence and aerospace business in Africa, raking
in more than $1-billion a year in sales. Ichikowitz also owns a private- equity
company called Transafrica Capital, which insiders say is backing the new
airline.
Ichikowitz, who has been outspoken about his support for the
ANC in the past, is a controversial figure because of his entanglements with
politicians including President Jacob Zuma and former Malawian president Joyce
Banda. He was embroiled in a scandal in Malawi after Banda signed a
$145-million contract for military vehicles and boats. Outrage and accusations
of corruption followed when it was discovered that Banda was using Ichikowitz's
private jet. The issue was a major factor in Banda's ousting in May.
Prof S. Terreblanche"s "Inequality in South
Africa" describes the Americanisation of South Africa and its role as a
neo-liberal sub-empire of the American empire and a hub and springboard for
international corporates to expand into sub-Saharan region. A corrupt system run
by a racist clique has been replaced by a corrupt system run by self-serving
black clique and yet this farce is hailed by many quarters of the left as
victory for the oppressed. To criticise "St. Mandela" and the ANC's
failures is considered the ultimate heresy.
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