AMD CEO calls for investment in SAs national defence capabilities

Sandile Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Aerospace, Maritime, and Defence Industries Association (AMD), has issued a strong call to the newly appointed Minister of Defence and Military Veterans for urgent and comprehensive investment in South Africa’s national defence capabilities.

In an open letter written to the yet-to-be-appointed Minister as the country transitions under the Government of National Unity, Ndlovu emphasised the critical need for a renewed commitment to the safety and security of the South African people.

"Ultimately, the success of South Africa’s national defence capabilities hinges on the political will of its leaders. The new administration must demonstrate its commitment to addressing the complex and interconnected issues of defence, development, and human security. The time for rhetoric has passed; now is the moment for bold and effective leadership in national defence."

Ndlovu highlighted three major priorities for the Minister. They are enhancing the SANDF, exploring new ways of funding South Africa’s defence capabilities and revitalising the local defence industry.

The SANDF is beset by challenges, including but not limited to, inadequate funding and training, outdated equipment, and severe operational limitations, which have compromised its ability to protect South Africa’s territorial integrity and support state security services.

“We believe that the priority should be to revamp SANDF’s capabilities to ensure that it has the personnel, technology, and infrastructure required to fulfil its mandate, namely the protection of our people, borders, environment, and infrastructure.”

Additionally, the SANDF is so severely underfunded that it simply cannot meet the commitments required of it in terms of its mandate and defence policy. A proposed private-public funding model would help to address the financial constraints on the defence budget, Ndlovu believes.

“This model aligns with the global trend of engaging the private sector in defence funding, allowing for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable military capabilities. It offers a pragmatic and immediate solution to our fiscal constraints; it provides for a payment plan that allows private companies to assume the financial responsibility for developing and delivering military systems and government paying for these systems over an extended period.”

Finally, Ndlovu advocated for increased local procurement of armaments and equipment to strengthen the domestic defence and security industry.

“For an industry to flourish a market must exist and that is simply not the case for the defence and security industry in South Africa currently.  A robust local manufacturing capability will bolster our overall defence capabilities, provide opportunities for job creation, skills development, and advancement of our technological abilities.,” he said.

Ndlovu expressed readiness to support the new minister in seeking innovative solutions to secure South Africa's defence capabilities and safeguard the country's sovereignty.

“On behalf of AMD and its members, we stand ready to assist and support you in seeking bold and innovative solutions to secure our nation's defence capabilities and safeguard the sovereignty of our country,” he concluded.