Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has praised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “wise” decision to bring State-owned enterprise (SOE) Denel under the wing of the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans.

The move forms part of the government's plans to move those SOEs that reported to the former Department of Public Enterprises to their respective line departments.

“This will help streamline the operations of Denel to the benefit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which will see benefits downstream.

"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,” Motshekga said at Air Force Base Waterkloof, in Centurion, on September 17.

She was speaking at the launch of the twelfth edition of the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade show and exhibition, which will be hosted at the base from September 18 to 20, followed by a public air show on the weekend.

The 2024 AAD will showcase the latest technological innovations in aviation, aerospace and defence, and also foster 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 bring Denel as a strategic defence entity and open discussion with other industry players,” Motshekga said.

AAD 2024 is being hosted in partnership between the departments of Defence, and Trade, Industry and Competition, along with the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa and the South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa.

This year’s event would introduce several hubs that would feature cutting-edge innovations. Among others were the energy hub, the general aviation hub, and a third hub focusing on drone and IT drone technologies, Motshekga pointed out.

As a key knowledge-sharing platform, the event will host three conferences over the trade days from September 18 to 20. On September 18, the focus of the conference will be on future warfare. On September 19, the theme will be maritime security and, on September 20, the conference will be centered on showcasing the South African defence industry.

A key feature of the AAD event this year will be the youth development programme.

“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,” Motshekga said.

In 2022, the AAD hosted 9 000 learners through the YDA initiative. This year, Motshekga said about 12 000 learners from across the country are expected to benefit from the programme.

Following the trade exhibition, a public air show will take place on September 21 and 22, with an expected attendance of 60 000 spectators, Motshekga said.

“The air show promises to feature thrilling aerobatics and displays by a diverse array of aircraft. We are confident that AAD 2024 will surpass previous editions, both in terms of innovation and relevance,” she said.