On Friday, May 19, 2017, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will deliver a keynote address at the first Ministerial Workshop of the National Defence Industry Council (NDIC).

The NDIC was officially launched on March 3, 2016, following recommendations as envisaged in Chapter 15 of the Defence Review 2014. Its main focus is to ensure that the local defence industry receives commendable government support to develop a footprint in the global defence market while simultaneously creating jobs and growing the economy. Furthermore, it aims to assist the defence industry build a strong skills base needed for the sector to succeed. 

As mentioned in last year’s speech at the launch, the local defence industry cannot exist in a vacuum or develop efficiently without adequate government support. Therefore, our intention is to ensure that government rallies behind the defence industry. The ultimate objective is the realisation of a transformed defence industry that procures and manufactures locally, said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.
 
Among other issues, the inaugural Ministerial Workshop will discuss the Defence Industry Strategy Document designed to provide guidelines for productive government-industry cooperation and partnership. According to Minister Mapisa-Nqakula, it is in the best interest of the country to see the defence industry working together with government in an effort to reduce reliance on export sales to foreign governmental clients for sustainability due to the limited local defence spending potential.

The 15-member NDIC is chaired by Dr. Sam Gulube, Secretary for Defence and comprises Heads of government departments, CEOs of state-owned entities in the defence industry and various business leaders.

Government ministers will also be in attendance.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date:               Friday, 19 May, 2017
Time:              08h30
Venue:           Denel Land Systems (DLS), 368 Selbourne Avenue, Lyttleton Manor, Centurion
GPS Coordinates:  S25 48.451, E028 11.774
​​​ Enquiries:      Joy Nonzukiso Peter on 082 9900407