State-owned aerospace and defence technology conglomerate Denel on Tuesday launched a book to demystify defence technology to South African learners and attract them to the defence industry’s career opportunities, while creating greater awareness about innovation and post-school opportunities that derive from mathematics, science and technology education.

Written by communication and media specialist Minah Sindane Bloem and business development executive Llewellyn Hartnick, the book, titled Defence Technology Made Easy, was aimed at persuading learners to choose mathematics and science as subjects, allowing them to participate "meaningfully", not only in the defence industry, but in all areas that needed critical skills for South Africa’s knowledge to grow.

Speaking at the launch, Public Enterprises Deputy Minister Bulelani Magwanishe noted that Denel had paved the way to ensuring that the South African youth, particularly from the [rural] communities, were exposed to defence technology. “It [entices] them to join industry,” he added.

Bloem highlighted that the book posed some challenges, particularly in writing in a vernacular that Grade 9 learners, the target group, would understand. She added that the language used was simple and without jargon, but where jargon was used, it was explained. “We want this book to be accessible for all learners in Africa,” she added.

The book was commissioned by Denel in 2014 as part of the group’s celebration of South Africa’s 20 years of democracy and touched on a range of defence-related subjects, including aerospace, the growth of unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistics, advanced manufacturing and the naval environment.

Hartnick explained that there was a “hunger” among young learners that ignited the idea for the book.

Also speaking at the event, Denel chairperson Martie Janse van Rensburg noted that “when you are young, you are not always aware of the [available career] choices and what is required to get to the final destination”, and added that the book was a stepping stone to the right career path.

In a statement, Denel group head for corporate communication and public affairs Vuyelwa Qinga said the book addressed common misconceptions that the defence industry was only about wars and conflict.

“Throughout the world – and especially in South Africa – the defence industry has been a catalyst for research and development in a large number of areas that benefit the entire society.

“Research done by Denel has led to the growth of technology in areas such as civil aviation, mine exploration, rail safety, power generation and nuclear medicine,” she pointed out.