The Department of Defence will push forward a number of acquisition programmes for the army during this financial year. It also wants to play a direct role in the restructuring of the local defence industry. This was revealed by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in her departmental Budget Vote speech on Thursday.

Regarding the army, she stated that “I am concerned that despite expressed commitment to improve the landward defence capability, and despite funds being allocated in the past, very little progress has been made. This year, we have ensured that decisions on key projects are finalised and we are currently at contracting stages for the acquisition of various landward defence capabilities.” She gave no indication of what specific projects she was referring to.

The army has a number of pending and planned projects – Project Hoefyster, for a new infantry fighting vehicle, is one. Although the Badger vehicle, based on the Patria AMV but using a Denel Land Systems turret, was selected for this requirement, and a development contract signed, back in 2007, it seems that a production contract has still not been signed.

Another example is Project Vistula, to buy new cross-country tactical logistical and support trucks to replace the Samil series. It could involve anything from 2 500 to 5 000 vehicles, in the 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 categories, but the project has been significantly delayed. There are many others, to modernise the armour, infantry, engineers, air defence, logistics and other support units and capabilities.

“The support for a viable and competitive defence industry is an integral part of our mandate,” asserted Mapisa-Nqakula. “It is a matter of concern that over the years South Africa is gradually losing its influential position as one of the industry leaders in defence innovation. It is for this reason that the department must play a direct role in the restructuring of the defence industry to ensure that it focuses primarily on the requirements of the SANDF [South African National Defence Force].”