Defence sector overview Dr Wilhelm Janse van Rensburg

Defence sector overview Dr Wilhelm Janse van Rensburg Researcher: JSC on Defence

Aim Provide the Select Committee on Security and Justice with an overview of the defence sector in South Africa and identify key trends during the Fifth Parliament (20142019).

Defence oversight structures at Parliament • Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans • Select Committee on Security and Justice • Joint Standing Committee on Defence • The committee shall be competent to investigate and make recommendations regarding the budget, functioning, organisation, armaments, policy, morale and state of preparedness of the National Defence Force and to perform such other functions relating to parliamentary supervision of the Force as may be prescribed by law.

The Defence Sector • The Department of Defence (DOD) • Responsible for providing, managing, preparing and deploying defence capabilities commensurate with the needs of South Africa • The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) • Deliver and coordinate all activities that recognise and entrench the restoration of dignity and appreciation of the contribution of military veterans in South Africa • Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) • Aims to meet the defence materiel requirements, defence technology, research, development, analysis, and test and evaluation requirements of the DOD

The Defence Sector • The Castle Control Board (CCB) • Oversees the management of the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town • The Office of the Military Ombud • Provides an independent, impartial and expeditious complaints resolution process for serving and former members of the SANDF and public to promote good governance • Defence Force service Commission • Make recommendations regarding remuneration and conditions of service of members of the SANDF

Key focus areas for Parliament The Department of Defence 1. The budget: • Allocation for 2019/20: R 50. 513 billion (0. 93% of GDP) • Key concern is the continued real reduction in allocation Real decrease between 2014/15 and 2015/16: -0. 75% Real decrease between 2015/16 and 2016/17: -1. 86% Real decrease between 2016/17 and 2017/18: -3. 17% Real decrease between 2017/18 and 2018/19: -7. 42% Real decrease between 2018/19 and 2019/20: -0. 99%

Key focus areas for Parliament The Department of Defence 2. Personnel cost • Context: International best practice of 40: 30 (40% personnel) • In 2017/18, 55. 9% of total expenditure spent on personnel; This will increase to 58% in 2019/20 3. Ageing personnel • Force rejuvenation urgently needed • Exit mechanism required for rejuvenation 4. Ageing equipment • SA Army vehicles; Strategic Airlift; Helicopter fleet

Key focus areas for Parliament The Department of Military Veterans 1. Housing • DMV constrained by Department of Human Settlements, Provinces and Municipalities (SLAs required) • Eg. 270/1000 houses built in 2017/18. 2. DMV Database • Credible database required to provide services • Linked to the means-test 3. Skills Audit • Identified as priority in 5 th Parliament to ensure that sufficient skills exist in the DMV to ensure service delivery

Key focus areas for Parliament Armscor 1. Declining defence industry • Limited defence allocation results in limited local procurement; exit of skills; loss of employment 2. Turnaround of Armscor Dockyard • Essential for SA Navy operatbility Military Ombud 1. Desire to be registered as a Level 3 Public Entity to enhance independence.

Key focus areas for Parliament Castle Control Board 1. The need for self-sustainability • The Castle was self-sustaining, but will shortly deplete its surplus; requires ongoing funding form the DOD for maintenance of the premises.

Focus areas for the Select Committee Key to focus on DMV and DOD Department of Military Veterans • Need for liaison between the DMV and Provinces, Municipalities for the provision of housing to deserving military veterans. • Engagement with other departments on provision of health and transport services to veterans. • Memorialisation of veterans. • General promotion of awareness of the DMV.

Focus areas for the Select Committee Department of Defence • Engage the DOD on domestic deployments (Vaal River/Cape Town). Ensure well-equipped and trained forces deployed for these functions. • Border-communities affected by issues related to border safeguarding. Engage DOD, SAPS and other roleplayers to ensure effective border control. • Current 15 sub-units deployed • Limited maritime patrol capability • Municipal support to military bases/units within their administrative districts.

Defence Sector overview Thank you Dr Wilhelm Janse van Rensburg Researcher: JSC on Defence Email: wjansevanrensburg@parliament. gov. za Tel: 021 403 8276