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Denel has applied to the High Court of South Africa in Gauteng for an order declaring that it obtained approval to form a joint venture with VR Laser Asia which resulted in the establishment of Denel Asia.

In spite of the company’s numerous attempts to work with National Treasury to explain the legal processes followed in establishing the Denel Asia joint venture, this matter remains unresolved and continues to unfairly cast doubt on Denel’s reputation and governance regime.

“We have always maintained and still maintain that Denel Asia was duly established after following and complying with all the relevant prescripts of the PFMA.  We acted lawfully and in accordance, and compliance, with the provisions of sections 51(1)(g), 54(2)(b) and 54(3) of the PFMA in concluding and forming the joint venture agreement,” says Denel’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Zwelakhe Ntshepe.

The doubts that have been cast over Denel Asia’s legal standing have led to negative perceptions about Denel from various stakeholders, clients and potential clients which has impeded the company’s ability to do business effectively.

“The Asian-Pacific region is an extremely important region for Denel to expand its business and find new markets for our world-class products, especially in the fields of artillery, armoured vehicles, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles,” says Ntshepe.

Research shows that by 2018 the Asia-Pacific nations will command more than half of global defence procurement outside of the United States and two-thirds of non-US defence markets.

“We need a firm foothold in this region and the establishment of Denel Asia will give us a strong presence and the ability to pursue the desperately needed opportunities in that region,” says Ntshepe.  As a result of the unresolved legal standing of the company, Denel has already missed out on a number of lucrative business opportunities.

Denel Asia will focus its marketing attention in the Asian region as most countries there have announced their intentions to embark on major new defence acquisitions and grow their research and development budgets into the future.

Denel has several equity partnerships, joint ventures and co-operation agreements with various companies in the global defence industry. All these joint ventures were established following the same process used in establishing Denel Asia.  Denel’s partnerships give the company the ability to penetrate new markets which are important for the company’s future success.

“Denel Asia is a bold step into the future for Denel. It will grow our reputation in the global defence industry and enable us to penetrate new markets in a rapidly growing region,” says Ntshepe.

Denel’s founding affidavit, which cites the Minister of Finance and the National Treasury as the first and second respondents respectively, was lodged with the High Court in Pretoria this morning.

Issued by Denel