Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition 2024, where he hosted deputy ministers of defence from China, Italy, Uganda and other countries. Picture: Bantu Holomisa on X
State capture inquiries are on the cards in the military space as the auditor-general (AG) prepares to present a damning report on the reasons for South Africa’s military failures, Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa has confirmed.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition 2024 in Waterkloof in Pretoria, Holomisa said the department would play open cards with investigative entities, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
“If the Department of Justice or the Hawks or the NPA or SIU feels there is a need to follow up some of the things which were identified by the State Capture Commission, the doors are open for us.
“We are not protecting anybody and, in fact, the AG report to be tabled in October is not looking good. There have been suggestions that some cases have already been referred to the SIU. Insofar as promoting clean government, you can count on us, the clean leadership.”
Holomisa also said the Government of National Unity was determined to re-establish a positive image of the country’s defence capabilities which was eroded during the state capture period.
“We were once highly respected in terms of technology but we lost a little bit of ground and we have to recapture that lost ground,” he said.
“Denel must continue to design and even bring back some of the engineers who have left with knowledge and experience and recapture the lost ground so that South Africa is well respected internationally and also for the military industry of the country to continue its work.
“We are still yet to meet the Denel leadership. So it’s not possible to talk about the kind of support, but we state clearly that it must work with the SANDF.
He said the ministry wanted to see what revenue Denel could generate for the benefit of the country.
“They have skills to produce and sell; let’s hope they sell to relevant countries so as not to be targeted by sanctions.”
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga said the move for Denel to be under the Department of Defence formed part of the government’s plans to move those state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that reported to the former Ministry of Public Enterprises to their respective line departments.
“This will help streamline the operations of Denel to the benefit of the SANDF, which will see benefits downstream,” Motshekga said.
“Denel will now be directly supported by the leadership of the SANDF as its number one client. This, in turn, will ensure that Denel is positioned as a premier SOE in the defence environment, ensuring that Denel moves in the right trajectory to deliver on its mandate.”
The 2024 AAD showcased the latest technological innovations in aviation, aerospace and defence, and also fostered dialogue and discourse on international defence, aerospace and related best practices.
“Positioning the defence industry through the AAD 2024 is one of the key strategies to promote Denel as a strategic defence entity and have open discussion with other industry players,” Motshekga said.
“This remains an integral part of the event, reflecting a strong commitment to nurturing future talent and providing a platform for young minds, especially from disadvantaged and marginalised communities, to engage with the aerospace and defence sectors.”
The Mercury
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