Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga used a Parliamentary question to assure a National Assembly (NA) African National Congress (ANC) whip the South African defence industry (SADI) is part and parcel of her ministry’s endeavours.
Thokozile Sokanyile asked Motshekga what steps were being taken to strengthen the defence industry, ensure its global competitiveness, and address export challenges and regulatory delays.
In her reply, Motshekga stated that strengthening SADI is an objective of its participation in the National Defence Industry Council (NDIC). Additionally, the Department of Defence (DoD) invests in SADI by way of prime mission equipment (PME) acquisition and procurement with an “emphasis on indigenised/local capabilities where possible”.
Motshekga further informed her questioner the DoD she oversees and has responsibility for invests in SADI through technology funding as a way of “ensuring global competitiveness”.
“The Department of Defence extends invitations to [the] South African Defence Industry to participate in Defence Committee Meeting[s] under the auspices of the Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD). The DoD also actively promotes and supports SADI during local and international shows and exhibitions,” Motshekga explained.
Regarding export challenges and regulatory delays, the Department of Defence is “ensuring that the Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC) Secretariat successfully implement[s] its new IT permit system. It is envisaged that the new system will minimize the permit issuance turnaround time while addressing the export challenges.”
Her reply, dated 22 April, will be welcomed by SADI generally and specifically its representatives who have experienced frustration with the paper-based permit system used by DCAC.
Sokanyile further heard the exports of South African manufactured defence equipment where a change of ownership is involved are treated on a case-by-case basis as well as being subject to regulations in the relevant legislation.
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